Grace Will Meet You There

[This post was started a couple of months ago, so the “past couple of weeks” were back in October… Remember when I only published like three posts that entire month? Here’s why…]

I confess, my heart has felt rended in two these past couple of weeks over a girlfriend’s situation. Amid the easy excuse that having our house on-the-market and show-ready has stifled my ability to craft and blog, I’ve found myself grappling with my sorrow over the whole messy painful thing. And feeling utterly uninspired. Like exercising my creativity is so absolutely small and unhelpful in light of discovering that my friends’ life-as-they-know-it is seemingly falling to pieces. I almost wish I did not know the truth so I could avoid facing it. Or thinking about it. Every day. So I could carry on just naively believing their life-is-good highlight reel of facebook posts. [I know that makes me a terrible and selfish friend. So I am all the more downcast for wanting to escape the knowledge of it.]

What does it look like to “[live] in peace when life screams for something different”? (the hardest peace, p.173). Because the heartache in this life has been screaming at me lately. And since I am not able to fix the situation, I am so thankful that God quiets my heart with peace in it.

Rewind a few weeks. When Kara Tippett’s book The Hardest Peace arrived on my step, I tucked it away to “get to,” busy with house prep and heartache and avoiding anything that might make me even more sad than my friends’ situation has. I just knew that reading a book written by a young mama-of-four who is dying of cancer, talking about hard peace, would surely lead me into sorrow.

But when I saw Ann talking about Kara and this book, I was reminded that I needed to at least pull it out and make a start, a valiant effort, as I’d agreed to read it and, if I felt led, to share it here.

So I pulled it out of the padded envelope, postmarked back in September. And suddenly there I was, before I’d blinked, already on page eighty, sitting on the floor in the middle of my kitchen, right where I’d pulled the book out from under the counter.

Rather than inviting us in to wallow with her in the pain of her illness and treatments, or indulging in the possible sadness of her husband’s or children’s story, she offers a transcending hope:

“But if the hardest is asked of us, we believe grace will be there” (p140).

There is something radically inspiring–for anyone if we will glean it–about facing the brevity and pain of this life and realizing, deciding, knowing, affirming that it does not diminish God’s goodness or His good plan for our lives.

The big takeaway for me is with my own children.

As any of us mamas-of-littles have heard, and heard again, these days go fast, and we will miss them. Exploding diapers shooting green straight up the back of that onesie? You’ll miss these days. Screaming toddler in the grocery aisle? You’ll miss these days. Endless kindergarten crafts leaving a debris trail of vacuum-eluding glitter all over your house? You’ll miss these days.

I already know I’ll miss these days. I already do. And I try to absolutely relish them and the gifts of my precious ones.

It looks like Kara Tippetts will not be here to miss these days, but her children will. And the beautiful thing for me–the striking and radical thing–about Kara’s words are that while she could buoy up, shore up, and try to insulate her loves from a seemingly impending doom,she points to the grace that will meet them there.

What if we didn’t just commanded ourselves to relish the fleeting present, but instead equipped our children to meet the future, whatever it holds. What if we could bind to their hearts that God is good, and His grace will meet them there, whatever the “there” holds.

That’s powerful stuff for me. As a woman, as a wife, as a mama.

Anyway, time here is growing thin now for this precious reflector of light. Hospice has been called in. And I cannot think of how to adequately or eloquently end this post, this piece of my heart laid out for you, so I will end with this:

**GIVEAWAY**

I have two copies of this book to give away to you. No fancy hoops or requirements, but won’t you leave a comment here, a word of hope, a scripture of encouragement, a sign of solidarity for Kara? That will be your “entry.” Thank you precious friends. I will draw two names from these comments next week and send each a copy of this book. It’s an easy and difficult, fast and slowing read. I hope you will love it and pass your copy on once you have read it.

403 responses to “Grace Will Meet You There”

Thank you for finishing this blog for us, your readers. It was both brave of you and inspiring to me. Sharing the hard stuff is most often the best way to reach true intimacy between human beings. We all walk a common path. God knows his plan for each one of us, though. This gives us hope and joy when the world goes awry.

Kara has really inspired my life with her total honesty and transparency in regards to her journey with cancer. I went to hear her speak and worried that it would be depressing, but I came away so uplifted and inspired. Thank you Kara.
Mary Buesing

The “Kara consciousness” has entered my life and added new sort of layer of grace to me……I cherish in my heart and prayers this dear woman that I have not yet met and I cheer for her in my little cabin in AR, among my family. Her life is setting a new kind of trusting standard that I’ve rarely seen, but always intended, by God’s grace, to live out to my last day. Praying tenderly for Kara.

This is the first time I have read your blog and it made me laugh and made me cry. I have been following Kara’s journey and pray for her every day. She is truly a child of God and an inspiration to so very many. Jesus is shining down through our beloved Kara, whom most of us have never met. Thank you for sharing your words with us. I have not read her book yet but I am hoping to very soon. May God Bless you all.

Kara’s vulnerability in sharing her deepest struggles, intimate relationship with Jesus and the unforgettable lessons she is learning bring me much hope. While I don’t have cancer, I’ve struggled with other serious health issues for 14 years and often wonder what the future holds. I know that God holds the future and He’s brought much reassurance through Kara’s testimony. His testimony in her life! What a woman of Philippians 4:6-8 & 11-13! I pray that my thoughts & my heart would be more full of His love & grace as shown through Kara to her family, friends & many others. May she & her family rest in the green pastures of His love during this time.
Blessings & Much Gratitude, Kristi Hellen

Ugh, lump in the throat! Thank you, Gina, for being raw and real… for pouring your heart out to enlighten and inspire! One of my greatest fears… leaving my children too soon, or my children leaving me too soon. I try to wrap my heart and mind around the fact that our time on earth is temporary and limited, yet God has prepared a greater home for us… that we have been gifted our children while on Earth, yet their eternal Father awaits their arrival as well as our own. But the sting of reality is inevitable. I’m reminded that each moment is a blessing, a gift that should be cherishe. I’m working on being the best I can be TODAY and letting God handle the tomorrow… for myself and my family. Your words are a reminder and a comforting reassurance. Thank you!

Gina, Having lost friends of my own “too young” you are left with thinking, “Really Dude?” (Dude being how I address God when I just don’t understand..knowing He is okay with being called Dude in my times of distress, dismay and downright anger!) And there the grace comes. To give me peace at least. Thank you for sharing. If I don’t “win” the book, I’ll be ordering it.

I followed Kara’s story on Focus on the Family. It was so bittersweet listening to them both speak so candidly, (I also read her Dear Brittany letter… So inspiring.) I would love to read her book. To Kara I would say- that she is beyond beautiful from within. What a legacy she is leaving. A reminder to us all that it’s not a journey of loss but, also a journey if life. God works all things together for good.

God has spoken to me through these verses after my MS diagnoses. I hope they bring her peace and comfort as well
2 Corinthians 1:7 ►
And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

2 corinthians 1:3-4
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Thank you for your willingness to be open and vulnerable. Someone, somewhere feels the same way and needs to know they are not the only one. And that it’s OK to feel frustrated and helpless. It’s those confused, lost moments in life which remind us of our overwhelming need for and dependence on God.

I am Nana of 10—Mom of 2—Stepmom of 4—Grands are sooo precious and you will be doing crafts (you can keep the diaper thing) for years to come—I advise ditching carpet and going straight to tile—glitter lives forever—whisper in your children’s ears at night that they must grow up but live close by—grandchildren are the best gift from God—all that you miss will come home again—and your job is to teach and train, model them Faith, and finally give them wings. And it comes all too soon. Remember there are seasons some long and some very short.

Know writing this blog was hard for you—but “Joy cometh in the morning”—embrace each day as a gift—hug your kids and your friends—love on your husband and count your blessings. Kara’s job is almost done.

I’m just about to cry, there’s so much beauty in that humble bravery. I’m a pediatric cancer survivor who’s been in remission since I was 13, and I think as hard as that was, how much more heart breaking must it be to be a sweet mama who has so much to leave behind? But those words, Grace will meet you there, are so true and so comforting–it’s this that gives us the power to do whatever God calls of us, building our mission around anything and everything He hands us in life. I think that’s what these hoops and hurdles in life are about–not begrudging them, but taking them up knowing that we can reach someone just that much better because of it. Kara’s grace and glory in this life is showing us how to better look forward and reach for Christ in the midst of this pain, because His love and mercy is eternal and the thorns in this life are so fleeting. Keep reaching forward, because Grace will meet you there. Wow. Thanks for sharing this story with us.

I’ve been following Kara’s blog and story, and I love the three questions she posed at the end of her most recent blog posting. Who are you cherishing today? How are you spending the love that was given to you to give today? What does it mean to be hidden in Christ? I have been reflecting on these questions all day, and I realize that God is using Kara in a MIGHTY way by touching and refocusing my spiritual path as well as the many others she has touched. I love Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Lifting Kara and her family up in prayers.

I have been reading and following Kara for a couple months. So many of the feelings I have are reflected here. I often don’t even have words. But I just keep praying. And when I start complaining and feeling ungrateful, I think of Kara. Thank you for this!

Thank you for sharing and for the giveaway. I’ve been following Kara on her blog. She is such an amazing woman and shows so much love and strength to those around her. You will be dearly missed my beautiful sister in Christ. Don’t doubt for a minute that God is doing great things with your story.

I am praying for Kara and her loves that include her man, her babies, her friends and family whom God will cover with His mercy and grace so that they may continue to press forward while Kara abounds in the land of the living with her Maker.

I came across Karas blog quite by accident a couple of months ago. Since then not a day goes by that I wonder how she is and send up a prayer for her comfort. I watch my mail and facebook for any updates available. In her eyes….thats what gets me…everytime I see her picture be it in the middle of chemo or now in the comfort of her home surrounded by her Big and Little loves I see Christ!! He so dwells within her that it cannot be unseen to me!! Im aged and not ill at this time (to my knowledge) but I know that the trials the tribulations of end of life issues will meet myself or husband eventually for we never know the hour or the day. Reading Karas blog and following her as she faces her inevetable fate with strength and courage as I have never seen from anyone in my life. She has taught me so much about living and now dying that I cant even put into words! I only hope I can be one tenth the woman she is when it comes my turn. I await the test.

Thank you for sharing Kara with us. I will not know her in this life but I look forward to meeting her on the other side. We can sit a spell and drink sweet tea with no calories (surely that will be there, right?).

I follow Kara on a daily basis and currently reading her book. How incredible is her love for God that she is teaching her littles to savor and find peace in every moment. My heart aches for her as a. Mom but I am in awe of her faith and the way even through her on hardest peace she has taught us so much about love, life and the importance of time. Simple pure seconds and minutes that once expended are gone forever and she just drinks them in like drops of sweet honey. Never has someone I have never met had such a profound impact on me and made me see and feel peace at the small things in my life. Our journeys have crossed and I am better for it. Much love to you Kara…thanks for sharing you with us!

This is beautiful. She is so full of grace and peace, it is pouring from her heart. I have followed her story and do not have any idea how I would walk in her shoes. I would live to read her book. Thank you for the opportunity!

Im (relatively) new to Kara’s story and blog. And my jaw hung open every time I read it – to imagine knowing the grace and peace of God personally in so very hard a circumstance (much less joy?!) but my jaw has hung open just as much reading this and smittenmouse.com’s blog about how it is to be on the other side of the situation as a friend. I have not had to suffer in a Body yet, but I am learning quickly from Kara and her friends. We have started a small book club, a prayer circle, my word for the year 2015 is ‘intentional’ – because that is how Kara has inspired me to live with each moment I am ‘graced’ with.
(Ps – I already have her book, so dont put me in any drawing please, i’ve just come to love her from afar and learn from her example of fighting the good fight)
(Pps – love your post!)

I found this link though Mundane Faithfulness, I would love to read Kara’s book if I get the chance though you or otherwise. I found her writing somewhere, not sure just how anymore but as I went through stage3 triple negative BC and some extra trial treatment I found a need to be graceful like my mom was, to find softness and strength all in one. I too have littles, I always call them my little ones, who were 4 and 5 when my journey with cancer had begun. I love Kara’s words, she finds those and expresses with such grace and pure sunshine as I like to say. She finds the words I tried to find somedays but couldn’t manage to get them out. I pray for her and her precious family everyday. I was hoping to catch her speak at fort Carson (my hubby is Army) but had missed her by a few days.(We are in Kansas for now) I somehow hope I will get a chance to meet her one day. One way or another I know I will. One place or another. Thoughts and prayers,

No matter where you go or what you do, ALWAYS, always bring your own sunshine!

I am a frequent reader of Kara’s blog. She and her husband and sweet littles are in my prayers daily. I know firsthand how difficult it is to watch someone dear to you suffer with cancer, but Kara has carried her family with her so beautifully. I haven’t read the book but would love to! Thank you to Kara for being so willing to share her heart in the midst of difficult times!

I happened upon Kara through Paige Knudson’s page. I only wish I’d known her longer to encourage her and pray for her. She has touched my life in a huge way. She makes me take a look at my whiney self and say “really Robin, what in the world do you have to be whining about…nothing; be grateful for every breath and live each day to the fullest.” I wait anxiously to see if she has posted something each day now. I want to know how she is. i know for sure she is in God’s hands and in his grace. Thanks for the chance at the book. I will pass it on. I believe she has a strong message and have shared it with my friends. Robin

So many tears… I don’t know Kara personally and yet she’s my sister at heart. I feel so incredibly privileged to get to share through fb her journey and catch a glimpse of her heart and vision. Words fail me but I am blessed beyond measure by her sharing so vulnerably. Thank you for caring!!! And sharing!!!

I’ve been following Kara’s story & praying for her & her precious people. Thankful for how she is so faithfully pointing all of us to Christ. A great reminder for me that all of this life is for God’s purposes & to share His great love with all my people.

Via Facebook I was introduced to Kara only a couple of days ago. In a mere 48 hours I have been challenged by her blog and Facebook posts to live in thankfulness and love. Her eloquence and bravery to share her journey home when everything is stripped away and all that is left is love is a lesson I am grateful to have been taught by her. I hope to make changes in my life that reflect the kind of love that flows from her. I would love to read her book…thank you for the opportunity to receive a copy.

Wow. I am continually amazed by the words Kara and all her friends and family have mustered up the courage to share with us – total strangers. Many a day, I find myself wondering, wondering if I would approach a serious illness with the great faith and seeing the goodness in it as Kara does. It would be so easy to dwell on all that is wrong and there is so much pain – physically and emotionally. But Kara’s ability to move past that and all of you who personally know her – the strength, courage and love are amazing to me.

I lost my first husband to an aneurysm when I was 26. There is a verse that I have cherished since that time….Isaiah 55:12, “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace.” I always find something that seems like it was meant exactly for me when I attend our church services. I hate to overuse the word “amazing”, but it is amazing how God does that. Recently, at a church service, the pastor quoted that very same verse as we left the service….I knew there must be a reason it came back to me – and this may very well be why! It reminds me so much of Kara’s story.

Kara is an inspiration to live life to it’s fullest whether you are healthy or sick. She inspires me to be a better person – a better mom, a better wife, a better Christian. Please give her a hug and she is a gift from God. Her legacy is her love for God and life itself. GOD BLESS HER AND ALL THOSE CLOSE TO HER!!!

I heard about Kara because of her beautiful letter to Brittany. Have been following on Facebook ever since. I check on her every day. I pray for her and cry for her and her family. She is so strong and brave. I’m not so good with words, just know you are loved by so many, Kara. People who have never met you love you and care for you

God has used Kara’s blog to encourage me to reflect on the wife and mother I am. This year I’ve dedicated to digging deeper into God’s word, seeking healing from past hurts and breaking free from the chains of bitterness.

I am uncertain how exactly Kara’s story came across my facebook page, but I feel so blessed to have been able to hear her words, to see her grace and faithfulness. She has inspired so many and touched thousands through her strength, commitment, love and trust in our God. I pray that God will bless her with many blessed and special moments still with her husband, children, and family before he tenderly calls her home.

~I have been following Kara for several months now and find her words absolutely beautiful. I feel as if I am sitting next to her bedside holding her weary hand and she is speaking directly to me.
~She is truly full of the Holy Spirit!
~When Our Lord calls her home my eyes will not be dry, but I do know her work here on earth will be accomplished, she will be receiving her rewards much earlier than most and she will be gazing upon the beautiful face of our Savior as he speaks the words “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

I have been so encouraged by Kara’s heart for God that is evident in her love for others. When I read her blog I walk away wanting to talk to Jesus and read His Word. Her story and life are stirring my heart and affections for my Father.

Kara, you are leaving a legacy for your children. You will live on in their hearts, and now in ours. I am praying for you, that God will do a miracle, but even if He chooses not to do it in the way we would see fit, I pray He will help us see that whatever He does is a miracle.

I came across Kara’s blog because a friend had shared her story!! Last night I stayed up for 2 hours reading her story! They faith she has shown has been such a testimony to me in my struggles, Thank you Kara for your honesty and faith you have become such an inspiration to so many!! I have become so caught up in life I forgot to live thank you for reminding every moment counts!!

I landed here by accident…..so I thought. This was NO accident!! I am in awe and have never been so moved by Kara’s words – her STRENGTH in the face of such adversity. Kara, YOU HAVE BLESSED ME and I thank you! I can not wait to read your book! Praying for you and yours!

Sometimes it is too hard for me to read Kara’s posts, they are so real. Going through my aunt Nan’s death a few years ago, brings me back to these same memories. She was too like Kara & had such grace and love during the last weeks of her life. I too strive to be more like my aunt and Kara, as they are two of the strongest women I know. I need to work on being more like Kara. Thank you for this post.

I have been following Kara’s story and my heart is just aching. I lost my almost 2-month old son 2 years ago this month and it can be a difficult thing to be at peace during the hardest times of our lives. The process of watching someone we love fade is incredibly hard but she has shown her children how to fade gracefully and I can only pray that I am able to do the same. She has blessed my life tremendously–such an odd thing for someone I have never met. Her love for God is like none I have ever seen.

I’m also living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer and I draw hope from Kara’s story and her words. I am inspired by her heartbreaking honesty. I’m drawn to her blog even though it hits very close to home for me, my husband and our 3 littles. She is inspiring and doing this “hard” with so much dignity. I know God is with her on her journey.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ KJV)
Such a precious scripture & lifeline in times when I feel too afraid to show up! Even when I’m not “brave enough”, HE IS ALWAYS, ALWAYS MORE THAN ENOUGH! Prayers, love, & BIG BIG hugs to sweet Kara & her family. (Kara, thank you for your godly example & for both living & dying so gracefully. You’re truly an inspiration).

Just today, my own sister led me to Kara’s blog post…A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving. Her words are rattling deep within me tonight. I wish I had words to share back to Kara. All I have is THANK YOU for pointing us all to Jesus!

I recently heard of Kara’s story through her FB page. My heart aches for Kara, her husband and four precious children. I am in awe of the renewed outlook she has on life and her unwavering faith in our God Almighty. I am truly inspired by her story and do hope to read her book soon!

My dad was diagnosed with cancer last year and we’ve all been following Kara’s blog…so inspiring. This is the verse I’ve been clinging to: “I am counting on The Lord, yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.” Psalm 130:5. He is faithful to his promises!

thank you for sharing… I only recently started following Kara’s story through an acquaintance that I used to work with before moving. We both worked at a center for women, encouraging those women faced with diagnosis of cancer. Still, I have so much to learn and reading Kara’s website opened my eyes even more. How can I care for those women, mamas needing just love and support and compassion! I was so inspired by her posts that I ordered her book and it arrived today. She has touched my heart and spirit! Her questions are so intriguing… This is posted on my living room wall and a good word of encouragent for Kara.. “The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not protect you”… She is already on my heart and pray for her and her family!

I just discovered Kara last week through a Facebook post….and I’m sad that everything is so far advanced. But I feel like I have already been made to really think about how much I have to be thankful for, yet still I find things to complain or worry about. Me feeling my worst with whatever problems or health scares I may have would be a party day for Kara. This sobers me and helps my perspective. I could only dream of having a small portion of the legacy Kara is leaving behind for her friends and family. I have sooo much admiration for her….I even woke up the other morning praying for her…..and it’s only been a week.

I have just been introduced to God’s incredible work through the suffering in this families life. It has brought me to tears…and to the throne of grace on their behalf. I am intrigued by the book….thank you for offering some to give away

I mourn over Kara’s journey while being so grateful for her spirit in the midst of…so much. Her legacy is joy, and being present in the moment, and sharing herself in the darkest time. I’m here in Indiana praying for your family, Kara.

Following Kara’s story has reminded me of a beautiful song by sovereign grace “it is not death to die”
I will not listen to it again without thinking of this sweet mama and her amazing trust in our sovereign God!https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Sna3Fp4LZ9g

Gina, I have recently discovered this family and am amazed at this mom’s grace in this struggle with leaving her family. I am facing divorce, not life ending, but certainly life altering for sure, and am so encouraged by your words and Kara’s spirit, like her words you quoted ““But if the hardest is asked of us, we believe grace will be there” (p140).” I wear Proverbs 31:25 on my wrist every day, “She is clothed with honor and dignity and laughs without fear of the future”. This could apply to so many of us, whether battling a disease and knowing we will laugh in heaven, or just the promise of a broken marriage in what God has planned around the corner. Your blog was a lovely surprise tonight and if I don’t win the book, I will certainly go get it!

I have been following Kara’s blog since she wrote a beautiful letter to Brittany who was contemplating assisted suicide. At that time I was struggling so much with how could God possibly be so good as the church always proclaims, but after reading through Kara’s story of grace and love and perseverence, God has begun revealing to me again how much he truly loves us. Thank you for your story, God has used it to call me back to him!

This verse was of comfort to me when my Dad passed away from cancer 20 years ago.
Isaiah 57:1 “The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.”

Isn’t Kara amazing? I just recently stumbled upon her life via social media and am so, so humbled. I’ve looked at ordering the book on-line, but hesitate …….. I’m an ugly crier and there’s just so much fear about reading what Kara is going through and she’s WRITING about those trials with a HAPPY face. How? I can’t even deal with work frustrations some days with a happy face. I know Kara probably doesn’t have a mean bone in her body but I’m so afraid of feeling like less of a Christian, less of a mom if I know I couldn’t do what she’s doing. And I can’t fix what her husband and kids are going to go through. The kids worry me so. My own daughter’s father passed away when she was seven and it has changed her so much (she’s nine now). It’s hard being the living parent and having to answer A LOT of questions about heaven and whether or not daddy knows she did this or did that. So, here I am. If I win a book, maybe God has something in there that is going to speak to me. It feels silly to type “God bless you, Kara” because it’s so obvious you are on first name, speed dial basis with our Heavenly Father, but do I ever wish you and your family would just feel all the love and blessings and prayers from everyone who is in awe of you.

I’m floored by her grace and peace. I have heard so much about the book and felt the same as you – it would bring heaviness where no more weight is needed or wanted. But if she offers lightness to relieve the heavy, I should give it a shot, at least.

My youngest son was diagnosed with cancer January 13, 2014, right after he turned 5. Many songs and scripture have been a great source of strength and encouragment to us. I find myself singing this in my head a lot. “Fear not I am with thee O be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid, I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand. When thro’ fiery trials thy pathway shall lie my grace all sufficient shall be thy supply, The flame shall not hurt thee I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine” –How Firm a Foundation

I also have metastatic breast cancer. The Lord gave me this verse 11 years ago when I was originally diagnosed…

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2

May you feel His presence more richer than ever before. May His Spirit grant you peace and comfort through this, the most unbelievable hardest of hard times.

Thank you for being real. Thank you for showing us the face of Jesus through your testimony. You have given me strength to keep pushing forward.

I love the descriptor “reflector of Light;” it so describes Kara. Instead of ripping the fabric of her pain and letting all the ugly out, she (and her luminous smile) just shine more brightly, the closer she gets to seeing Jesus face to face. I can’t wait to meet her, hug her, there.

I’m a fan and supporter of Kara. We buried a sweet, wonderful friend on his 18th birthday, just before Christmas. He miraculously received a liver transplant weeks before. And the numbers were good, he would be home for some of Christmas. The morning of that news, would be the day we lost him, infection, then ICU, then the liver died, and ẃe lost a light in our world. Grace has met me in every moment since then. I would love a copy of Kara’s book.

She has changed me. How you live matters so much more than you know. Life is beautiful.

I’ve been following Kara’s story for quite some time and I’m always amazed how the Lord is using her. I always want to offering encouraging words, yet I’m often speechless. I believe she’s the most inspirational woman I’ve ever met. I pray for her often and will continue to pray for her and her family in the days and weeks to come.

I have been following Kara for a couple of weeks now and the elegance in which she writes has touched my heart! I don’t know her but my heart breaks for her and her family! But there is such a peace that surrounds her and her family and she is so real with us! Our God is an Awesome God!

I have been following Kara’s hard for a few months. God is using her hard to point many others to Jesus.
I’ve been working on memorizing this verse this week. May be it will encourage some one else, as it has encouraged me.
Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time need.”

the hardest place for me has been covered by grace and peace. I haven’t been following you long but my heart hurts wondering how you say goodbye..how you love..how you live…and now how you’ll die. Thank you for inspiring me to love my family more and to view God bigger. In Isaiah, God says “He collects our tears in a bottle” Where do you think He collects your beautiful smile?….

I was fortunate enough and blessed to get to attend a two day conference in NC last September where Kara spoke. I’ve never met anyone like her; the love of Jesus shines through her. After reading her blog and getting to meet her, I felt as if I had known her for years. I grew to love her. I pray for her and her family many times a day. I have an autographed copy of her book, but if I were to win a copy, I would pass it along to someone else. Thank you, Gina, for opening your heart to your readers.

I started following Kara’s blog several months ago. I am a year younger than Kara and have three girls and a boy. Her perspective (on her blog) has helped me to looke for God in the hard (which isn’t really all that hard, it just feels like it sometimes), to look for what I KNOW is true, that He is good, He is faithful, He loves me, He is trustworthy. You are so right, anchoring our littles to the truth of who God is is the best gift we can give them, regardless of our circumstances.

I believe that Kara embodies this passage, and learning of her story and the way she lives for Jesus helps me to turn my eyes from worthless things. Kara, God bless you and keep you, turn his face to you and shine it upon you, and be gracious to you, & may you journey on with His perfect peace.

I just recently learned of stour sweet friend Kara. I pray for her, her family and loved ones everyday. I lost my daughter to cancer 2 years ago the 28th of this month. She left behind a loving husband and 2 young children. I celebrate for Kara as she will get to see Jesus face to face but my heart breaks for her husband, children and loved ones as I am feeling the pains of being left behind. I know I will see my daughter again as will Kara’s loves, but it’s learning how to live without them is the very hardest part. I pray for you as her friend that God will give you strength during this time. Continue to love her and enjoy your time with her. Praying always, Barb

Thank you for this post…. As I read Kara’s post and see her love for God and how inspiring she is, it helps me to get through my families journey of dealing with my father battling cancer and knowing the end is in sight for him. I realize I’m (my family) is not alone and there are other families going through the same thing. Praying for Kara and her family.

Kara is very inspiring and makes us all grow up a bit. To handle life in the way she does is simply amazing. And you are brave and strong to admit that sometimes it’s easiest emotionally to not face the truth. This is the tough stuff. Hugs.

Kara, thank you for your honest and vulnerable writing. The Lord has graciously gifted you with words and graciously gave me the ability to read them. My sister in Christ, I am praying for you that God continues to open your eyes, the eyes of your little ones and of your man to his grace as these hard days continue to come. Thank you.
Love from one Kara to another,
Kara Edwards

I first learned about Kara from her interview with Focus on the family at which time I subscribed to her blog and started following her on Facebook. As I sit here and try and imagine what it might be like to be in that situation, for her, her family, friends, everyone, it too surreal and I cannot even wrap my mind around it. I pray for them daily – I’m not sure what I’m praying for them but scripture tells us the Holy Spirit will intercede. In the short time I have been following her, I am certain she will be met with ‘a job well done good and faithful servant.
I like what you have to say about preparing our kids to meet the future. Something Beth Moore pointed out in her study Children of the Day was we here on earth right now view time as time passing, in Biblical time, time is looked at as forthcoming. It was an interesting concept I’ve never heard or thought of before. The future is eminent and we, ourselves and those God has ‘lent’ to us to rear up, need to be prepared and make a difference.
May The Lord of Hosts bless and keep Kara and her family now and forever. Comfort and peace to them. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

I have a life verse, a promise I’ve been standing on for years, Jeremiah 29:11. While it seems somehow wrong, to my human heart, to speak of a future and plans when Kara’s is so fleeting, it is the only thing in my mind as I read this post. Kara, I feel sure that His plans for you extend far beyond your time on this Earth. Long after your soul goes to the one who made it, your story, uour words, the words of those who love you, will continue to reach into hearts and stir the beginnings of change. Of healing. No matter whether it’s someone who knows and loves you or someone like me, who sits behind a screen on the other side of the country, you will not soon be forgotten my friend. My heart and prayers are with you.

I don’t know how to word things very well, but here goes. Kara to me has to be a angel sent to us, kinda like God gave his son , he gave us an amazing lady to cry with, learn from, pray with, someone we love. If I could pick anyone famous or Kara to spend the day with I would most definitely choose Kara. I would have a thousand questions to ask her. When she is finally called homeI would ask her if she could give us a sign, something, anything. Kara you are my hero. Love a country girl from Tn.

As a mother of five who lost her mom to cancer when she was 48, I was grieved when a friend posted about Kara’s situation and yet I am in total awe of her and the grace and peace she has. I am sure she will hear the words “well done, good and faithful servant ” when she enters the gates of heaven.

I have read this book and though I spent many a page crying I also felt a greater sense of peace and love. My Faith only strengthened, knowing that even as this life is coming to a close for Kara being a woman of faith can truly bring peace in the hard, ensures me my faith will also give me peace in my hards of this life. Prayers for Kara and her loves!

I’m a new follower of Mundane Faithfulness. So much to learn from Kara and so very grateful for her love of Christ and willingness to share. My quote for her would be from Aesop: “Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.”

What Kara is doing, in inviting us all to share in this hard path she and her family are on, is so brave. It may not feel brave, but it’s giving me courage to even think about the scariest part of being a parent: being separated from my littles “too soon.” Her words are helping to unfurl my fingers from around the seemingly protective grip I keep around my family.

I first met Kara in elementary school. I remember thinking how beautiful and bright her smile was. I have not seen her since the last day of school in 6th grade when my family moved to Florida. I learned of Kara’s diagnosis last year and have since been reading every word that she writes. Kara is more than an inspiring…she is GRACE. She has restored my faith in so many ways…and as each day brings us closer to losing her…I can’t help but LIVE and LOVE BIG. We often get so caught up in life that we forget to live. I will never take another moment of my time here for granted. No one has tomorrow…we only have this moment. We love you Kara. You are forever with us. GOD IS GOOD…Kara has taught me that. 💜

Along with many others, I am awe inspired by Kara’s story . The grace and love she shows through such a painful period transcends and gives such glory to God. I share her story and show her pictures to so many people I know. And I pray for her physical healing. God bless you and your family, Kara. You make me want to be a better person!

We have been following Kara’s story for a while. Precious Kara, we lift you and your family up to our Lord daily. “The Lord is the one who goes before you, He will never fail you nor forsake you!” Deuteronomy 31: 8

My heart has also been rended by her story. I sit daily right now wondering how to live, while I am still here…as gracefully and powerfully as she is living, with only whispers of time remaining. I am dying to live…while she is living to die. Such fullness of grace in this sacred space.

Having dealt with cancer in the last couple of years with my father and then the sudden passing off my mom just after he was released by his surgeon…I bravely said yes, she is in a better place with our Jesus. The truth is….I was and am MAD! I didn’t even get to say goodbye! Why??!!!
I don’t know God’s will but I do know that everything happens in His time, not ours. I can’t wait till the day I can ask him WHY though!
Kara’s story has opened my heart in many ways and allowed me to let go of some of those feelings. I can’t imagine what she is going through but OH how amazing will it be to receive that big hug from Jesus someday!

I was introduced to Kara’s blog a few months ago. And have been encouraged and convicted. Convicted when I look at my attitude and response to the hard times in my life. Encouraged to draw closer to the God who loves us and never leaves us. Encouraged to trust Him more. Thank you Kara for sharing your hard with us. I’m praying for you and your family.

Would love to read this book. I am a hospice nurse and have been diagnosed with breast cancer and just reading Kara’s post brings me so much comfort. I pray for her next journey will be comfortable and peaceful. Praying for Kara and family.

Thank you for sharing this! As a person who struggles so with my faith, it gives me such hope to read that you know that God and His grace will meet you wherever He takes you. Praying God’s peace over you.

From the short time I’ve been following Kara, I am so inspired by the joy and peace she has. I’m amazed at how the love of Christ just radiates from her, even in this most difficult last part of her journey on earth. Kara, you are an inspiration…and so much more than that, a light for Christ. I’d be honored to have your book.

In Kara’s way too short life, she is touching more hearts with the Lord’s love and grace than most of us will in a lifetime! She is loved by so many that will never get to thank her this side of heaven! We all feel the pain behind your words Gina..such a beautiful tribute to such an amazing woman!

Such a beautiful story, I wish I had the pleasure of knowing Kara personally, but I feel like I do know her from reading her heart. ❤ I have another friend trying to find her new normal, and trying to figure out how to live as she dies from cancer. Kara is such an example of courage and those that do not know true courage think it is something else. What a legacy and gift she will leave her children. As I tell my friend, "you are just going to heaven first". I cried when I read her post today, for her sister, she will miss her so much. And I am sad for her. I could write on and on about her, I would love to read her book =) Blessings In the Name of Our God Most High…

I was especially struck by Kara’s comment, “But if the hardest is asked of us, we believe grace will be there”. I first heard her story on Focus on the Family and have been closely following her ever since. If I could share anything with her, I would give her the hope in Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear! I will help you!'”.

Kara, thank you for your transparency, your vulnerability, for sharing your story and using it to point to Jesus even when life is really hard. You are such an encouragement! I am continuing to pray for joy and peace for you and your family and friends as you walk this difficult road.

Kara is such a bright light of faith, when I read her FB page I simply want to breathe her in……so inspiring, so beautiful, so full of life and joy….I pray for more precious moments, for a miracle from our great healer, of selfishly more days of Kara so I can continue to “know” her and be inspired by her…….
Philippians 4:6-7 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Kara, thank you for running your race with patience. Methane you for pointing me to Christ.

******************************
Author Unknown

I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts
for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come
to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says;
“There, she is gone!”

“Gone where?”

Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull
and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, “There, she is gone!”
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad
shout;
“Here she comes!”

I truly believe, with all of my heart, that God uses our testimonies, good and bad, not only to bring Him glory, but to show one another how to walk in grace through the toughest of circumstances. I have to admit that, when I come across a story like Kara’s, I want to cover my ears and eyes and pretend like I’ve never heard it. My fear is that He may be preparing me to walk the journey that Kara is so gracefully walking. And in my next breath, I am thankful for Kara…that she has allowed me to watch her live this out, shown me how to suffer well, and constantly re-focused my attention on Jesus. On her last post, Kara asked us not to mourn or be sorrowful for her, but she asked us to pray for her “community.” That’s what it’s all about. When Kara’s legacy is left on this earth, she will be face-to-face with Glory! No need to mourn for her. She will be free! I’m a momma, though, and a wife, and I just can’t stop praying for her “community.” And my prayer is that, for all the grace they’ve seen her display, that they’ll never, not once, question what a caring and gracious God she serves. Love, from an extended part of your community, Kara.

I have been following Kara’s blog for a few weeks now and my heart is breaking for her and her precious family. I am SO thankful for her strong faith and the hope we hold so dear that this life is not the end. Kara, you are an inspiration and convict me deeply to love more fully each and every moment. I am thankful to have “met” you through cyberspace and pray that your family will be surrounded with peace and love when you have graduated from this life. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. You are loved. I would be honored to have a copy of this book and would love to pour over its pages and learn from you. And then, I would be sure to pass it along to inspire someone else. Thank you Gina for doing this giveaway and for sharing a part of your heart to.

Cancer is all around me! My 9 yr old sons best friends mom passed away the day after my birthday with pancreatic cancer. She too was 38 and oh how I wish I had found Kara for her. My grandmother was just diagnosed with blood cancer and on that same day my uncle was told the skin cancer he’s been fighting for 7 years is back with a vengeance and now lymphatic. Both my grandmother and my uncle believe this is their end. I can’t say that they are saved. I love that in all that Kara says she leads you to Jesus…such an inspiration and encouragement! 2 scriptures come to mind…Be still and know that I am God…and…He is near to the brokenhearted! God has a plan and He is Good! Hugs and much love to you, Kara, and her family!

I recently started following “mundane faithfulness”…and it hits to the core…as a mama of two little boys (5 and 2) , I have this crazy fear of “what if something happens to me”…I hate thinking that way–and yet I also know the fact that we are only promised this moment/this day….reading her words reminds me to be present and give myself to my babies, my family…to love wholeheartedly..to be patient when patience doesn’t exist….to be thankful of each moment I’m given…

Thank you for reminding me of where my hope and peace lays!
Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Kara, Thank you for the brushstrokes of His grace, mercy, love and abounding joy in the midst of this painful time filled with eternal growth deposited in the lives of the rest of us here who will be making that journey one day. My heart and soul have been impacted and I can’t wait to meet you my precious sister! Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV) Linked in spirit and truth for eternity. ❤

Kara your story has touched my heart in ways I cannot describe. Your faith is inspiring and you are a courageous woman. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and heart with all of us. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. I will be praying for you and your precious family. When the Father calls you home, may you be comforted in knowing that this is not the end, its only the beginning and we have hope in the resurrection that we shall meet you!!! Thank you Gina for sharing this with us and for the giveaway offer. I would be so honored to read this book and then pass it along to bless someone else. Love you Kara and family! ❤

Kara is a reminder of what Grace and Love will look like til the end of time. I understand her pain and suffering for I watched a love one slowly fade from this life because of cancer. She has allowed me to heal and trust that this life gives us all we need and the promise that the best is yet to come because of
God’s amazing love for us!
Kara- you are beautiful even through all the HARD you’ve endured! 💚

Came across this and was blessed….thank you for such a lovely tribute to Kara and so beautifully putting into words so many vital things about her life and impending death. Sometimes I am overcome by the feeling of connectedness between us sisters in Christ, and I feel a deep-down excitement about getting to spend eternity with so many precious, incredible women that I never got to know or cross paths with on this side of heaven. To Kara: Godspeed sweet beloved Child of God! All of us will meet you there either sooner or later, but it won’t matter when. God is good, all the time and in ALL circumstances!

Kara, I can’t even begine to know where you are, but can only imagine that your thoughts must be turning towards your children, husband, and your own siblings and parents. One of the most richest reflections I have read about lament and grief is from Nicholas Wolterstorff’s Lament for a Son.

“The sharply particular words of Lament, so I have learned, give voice to the pain of many forms of loss. Rather often I am asked whether the grief remains as intense as when I wrote. The answer is, No. The wound no longer is raw. But it has not disappeared. That is as it should be. If he was worth loving, be is worth grieving over. Grief is the existential testimony to the worth of the one loved. That worth abides. So I own my grief. I do not try to get over, to put it behind me or to forget it….it is a love-song. Every lament is a love-song.”

“I shall look at the world through tears. Perhaps I shall see things that dry-eyed I couldn’t see.”

“Will love-songs one day no longer be laments?”

I long for the day when love-songs will no longer be laments, but until that day will be praying that your family will find beauty in expressing their grief and lament over their loss. That through their tears will see things about the world and people around them that can only be seen through those tears and will be an aroma of Christ to all they come in contact with because of their love for you and for Christ.

I wish I knew what to say. I walked this road with my dad when he had cancer. Sometimes, there are no words that can capture the magnitude of the passing into the presence of God.

One of my favorite passages of Scripture comes from Revelation 21: (KJV, for the beauty of the language)

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

“Behold, I make all things new.” I love these words so much that they are embossed on the cover of my Bible so that I never forget them. My favorite scene from The Passion of the Christ is where Jesus says these words to his mother. I don’t know if the link will post, but here it is:

I don’t think we have the faintest idea of how wonderful it will be, and how it will make all of the difficult now seeming as nothing.

Dearest Kara, I don’t know you and you don’t know me, but I have followed your blog for several months now. I admire your faith, your selflessness, and your love. I look forward to reading your book. I hope it will help guide me through my own hard journey, which, the longer it continues, the less I understand. I know He is in control, but if I may be so bold as to ask a favor…. when you see Him, please ask Him not to give up on me.
You come to mind often, and I pray for you and your family.
*much love and hugs*

Your words are so touching. Thank you for sharing. Kara is a blessing to this earth. As a mother of four littles myself her story cuts deep. She is a beautiful woman that many have wrapped their thoughts and prayers around. She is simply amazing. Her words are so raw and real. It makes you look deep within and cherish every moment we are given on this earth. For only one knows the true future. Her family and friends have been truely blesses bring in her presence. Thank you!!!

This lady has touch my heart so deeply. I lost my mother 7 months ago after a 4 month battle with brain cancer.. she was 60. It was horrible and hard but some of my most precious moments were spent with her in those months. She taught me so much in her last 4 months and she died with every single ounce of her dignity and faith in God’s plan. Kara’s blog has gotten me thru a lot of hard days. I have struggled so much in losing my mom and I miss her but Kara has reminded me she is in a better place and that she will always be my mom. Kara is an inspiration, a fighter and a sign of hope! Thank you to her beautiful soul and her family for sharing her story and journey for God’s will. You are AMAZING!

Thank you for this post. There are so many calls to wallow in sadness and pity these days. The idea of using suffering to point to grace is something the world needs desperately, because God is always good no matter our circumstance.

When I first read about Kara, I literally cried my eyes out. Mostly for her little ones as they will grow up, without their Mommy. Then as I read on about her incredible faith, and her Love for our Saviour, I felt an incredible peace. She has handled her cancer and diagnosis like very few could do. Having been a 2 time breast cancer survivor myself. I remember the way I felt when I was first diagnosed in 1993…. Petrified. My 3 girls were 2,4 and 6. A lumpectomy, radiation and 6 months of chemo later, I was back to my busy life. Fast forward to 1996… I had my 4th daughter. Then on to 2001, The cancer came back, so I had a double mastectomy, then 2 years later reconstruction. I remember asking the Lord to please let me raise my children, they now are 28,26,24 and 18. I have 4 grandchildren 7,6,2 and 1. I feel as though they are a bonus, and I have been given so much more than I deserve. I remember all those years ago thinking ” how can my husband do this alone?” That was my biggest fear. As much as I love the Lord, and I trust in him, I am ashamed to say I wasn’t that worthy to call myself a christian. Kara is a very classy, and remarkable woman. She makes me feel so humble… God certainly has a special place for her sweet soul in Heaven..for she is already an “Angel” here on earth. She has inspired us all, renewed our faith, and showed us all that it’s ok if God has other plans. May he always Kara and her sweet Family, in the palm of his hand.

I stumbled upon Kara’s blog through a friend on Facebook. Wow…what an amazing woman she is and such an inspiration to anyone who reads her words. I pray for her family and know she is cherishing each and every moment with them as they too hold on to each precious moment with her!

I adore Kara from afar. I can’t stop thinking about her and so I send this verse because it’s simple and true “Be still, and know that I am God.” ~ Psalm 46:10. We can’t always know the reasons behind what happens on this side of heaven, but I am so certain God is in the details. He knows or hearts, our circumstances, and loves us so deeply all of the time. When life seems scary and out of control, I imagine Him looking down and telling me to Be Still and TRUST HIM in this. This life. Oh how I pray that Kara and her family have the peace that comes from fully trusting in His purpose and His love for them.

I lost a sweet friend just yesterday & I cried myself to sleep last night thinking about her and about Kara and those too-few days we all have to be reflectors of the light. This is a book I need to read. And share.

having watched my younger sister battle cancer and leave behind her four littles my heart just breaks for this family…but I am so in awe of how Kara is using this to show us how good God is and how His grace and peace knows no limits. Thank you for sharing. And thank you Kara for sharing your story!

Kara first captured my heart and thoughts when I saw the viral letter to the gal who planned to end her own fight with brain cancer. I’m in awe of her, she is so encouraging and inspiring when she has every right to be just opposite. Sweet prayers for you Kara, you’re an amazing woman with an amazing legacy!

I have just recently started following Kara’s blog and I will never be the same again. As my heart breaks, beyond breaks for her and her family, I am so incredibly inspired by every God given word she shares. I would like to say to Kara how thankful I am for her and that I’m praying so hard for her and her dear husband and precious littles. (Gina, I found your blog through Kara’s and am now following yours! I’m so blessed!).

I’ve been following Kara’s story for some time… and I always hesitate just a minute before reading a new entry, because I just KNOW I’ll be in tears. Watching her live – really live – her numbered days has taken my breath away and inspired me to live more fully.

I am the mother or soon to be four little ones. I have followed Kara’s story and have been inspired by her faith. But that’s not to say the day I read she was being placed on Hospice that my heart wasn’t very said for her and her precious babies and husband. Somehow through it all, she has maintained an unwavering faith. I am truly inspired.

Completely, 100% agree with everything you have said. Kara is quite the blessing. I pray she has many more days of peace with the little blessings in her life. What strength she has. Oh how I long to have a strong hold on my faith as she has.

I’ve been following Kara on FB and reading her blog for a couple months now. I asked for her book for Christmas but my mom couldn’t find it at the Christian book store. I would love to read the book. Kara’s posts are so real and heartfelt…her love and devotion to Jesus in the midst of her suffering is inspiring. Thank you, Kara, for opening your heart and life to all of us. You are truly making a difference for Christ and also affecting so many lives. Prayers to you and your family 🙂

what a beautiful entry + sharing of Kara’s story/book. I have been following her blog for a while now & have prayed & do often for her family. What a gift this time at home is. Thankful for every moment we get to breathe in.

I have been following Kara’s blog for several months now. I have also read her book “Hardest Peace” and my mom’s group will be reading it sometime in the next few months at my suggestion. Kara and her words have changed me – I make a more deliberate effort to be more kind to those I love and to truly show them how much they mean to me. Having followed her for several months I feel she is a friend and am grieving the loss her family will endure when she leaves this earthly body for her heavenly one. She has truly opened my eyes wide to the wonders of our Lord.

I’ve only started following Kara’s journey a few months ago. I look forward to reading her posts because she writes so beautifully, honest, like none I’ve read before. I also cringe in the last couple days because I’m afraid each time it will be a message from her husband saying she has gone home. I say cringe only because I’m already mourning the loss her family, especially her kids will feel. I struggle hard seeing kids who have to say goodbye to their mothers. Probably because I lost my mother many years ago and know how hard it was for my even younger sister. I also know God is good and has a plan and all things work together for good. Reading Kara’s blog I think is helping me continue to heal from my own loss even though it is now 20 years ago. I wondered last night if there are those who know they will soon be going home to heaven that find themselves praying for patience. Patience to deal with the longing to be relieved of the pain and suffering and the longing to meet our creator. I know God has given Kara and her family the people they will need to get through the next part of the journey. I pray her book is shared with others for many years.

i stumbled upon Kara’s blog a few months back and her words drew me in. Dying and leaving my kids has always been one of my biggest fears. Reading her words, seeing her heart has been life-changing. I’ve been a Christian a long time but I find her sending me to my knees time and time again with her quiet faith, her unwavering trust, and her tremendous peace. She is dying with such grace and it is such beautiful sorrow to share with her. I am nervous to read the sadness in her book but also deeply eager for the revelations that I know it will bring.

I got to know Kara after reading her letter to Brittany and ever since, my life has changed significantly, after reading the letter for abt 10 times, I had to paste it in the my room, her words were amazing, my best parts that really shock me to the very core were,”Your life matters, your story matters” also where she said suffering is not the absence of goodness, it is not the abence of beauty, bt perhaps it can be the place where true beauty can be found” just to mention a few refrences, and I was like who is this woman, ever since I have been following her story and I can say nothing has ever inspired me than her life, instead of wallowing or seeking attention she had been showing people to Christ. I cried for a long time the night I read she was going to hospice, cause, it so amazing hw she has affected a lot of people,.I got an online copy of the hardest peace and though I hate reading, I couldn’t bring myself to dropping the book, I wept the entire time I was reading the book, I wish I could talk to her for a minute, cause I have a question I was going to ask her which is, plz tell me how u came at that strong faith that made u seek the hardest peace.I would recommend the book to everyone and I promise anyone that reads the book, that theit lives will not remain the same,.my prayer for Kara and her family is for them to continue to have the peace and strength that God has already given them.If I should write everything I have learned from the book and from her life, I would probably write a book.

I came across Kara through a devotional on Proverbs 31 Ministries and have been following her for the past 2 months or so. She is such an amazing, positive, open person I would’ve loved to meet. Actually I do feel I know her personally just from reading her blog:) My heart has broken for this family and I cannot stop thinking about them. I often wonder how I would react dealing with the cards she’s been dealt and I don’t think it would be pretty. She has been SUCH an incredible inspiration to all of us ‘followers’ and I hope they can feel our prayers from hundreds and millions of miles away. Praying for their family many times a day….

I have been following Kara for a while and am grateful for the testimony of her life. I have been praying for peace and contentment in the lives of her and her family. That God will continue to guide them in this hard journey of living out these last precious moments on this earth and that there will be no regrets

Kara – you are the most amazing person I have never actually met but feel I know you through your posts – I pray for you nightly – I wait for your posts – I am grateful you have Jesus shining through you even through the hardest place ! I can only dream to be as strong as you! God is smiling down on you- your family is proud and so I am

My brother just recently lost his wife and the road was long and difficult. A friend shared this quote with me, and the perspective helped to comfort my heart. I hope it does the same for yours.
“”It is hard to be born and it is hard to die.
But to be at either is a blessing and a privilege.”

As someone who lost my Mom to cancer 20+ years ago (I feel so old typing this), my heart breaks into a million pieces every time I see an update on anyone who is dying of cancer. My heart doesn’t understand that I have never meet them, have no idea where they may live etc. I just want to offer one encouraging note to Kara’s family, relish every moment you have together, when my Mom was dying we knew that it was serious but in our child like ways we didn’t fully understand everything. The greatest gift our Mom gave each of us was a letter telling each of us how much she loved us and some advice for our futures that she wanted us to have. God bless each of you during this new journey.

I have followed Kara for a while now. I find myself quieter and more grateful for my step children. I tell them they are my blessings. Kara has reminded me to be always loving in the hard places. I pray for her , her husband and her littles every morning and every night.

I pray for Kara all the time and my mind is constantly thinks of her. She is a mighty warrior for the Savior. She lives life with faithfulness and she is dying with faithfulness. She is living proof that sometimes the light of the glory of Christ shines most brightly on the dark backdrop of suffering. She is a testimony and is making an awesome impact for the kingdom of God. Thank you Kara for choosing joy. I love you my sister in Christ.

I follow Kara and have since her letter to Brittany Maynard. On her blog today, she posted a scripture given to her by a friend. It says:
Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his saints.
O LORD, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant.
You have loosed my bonds.
I will offer to you the sacrifice of THANKSGIVING
and call on the name of the LORD.
~Psalm 116:16,17

So much beauty in Kara’s story and so much beauty in your review of her book, especially in light of the burden for your own friend that you carry. Col. 1:11&12 May you be strengthened with all power, according to HIS glorious MIGHT, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

I have been following Kara’s blog for months. Your words ring so true for me. Thank you for your honesty and openness. Kara is a blessing to many and her book is a gift that allows her precious words to live on. “The only thing that matters is faith expressing itself in love.” Galations 5:6b

For the past few months I have followed Kara’s beautiful story. Thank you, Kara, for sharing it with us. For sharing all the hard, tough times. For sharing your love of your family and even deeper love of our Saviour and Lord. To quote Jennifer Dukes Lee, “We are all terminal.” You have opened my eyes and challenged me. Thank you.

Thank you for opening that envelope so you can share about Kara’s impact. She has impacted me and my life and I have never met her face to face….but wow she talks to my soul! She gently oh so gently reminds us of the grace and wonders and the everyday miracles that surround us.

Every time I read the posts it makes me look at my day, my circumstances a little differently. I also feel inspired, encouraged to fight the good fight, even when I don’t want too. I’m reminded of the growth that comes with hardship yet the precious sweet time with Jesus. The life of this precious mother has impacted me greatly!

Kara,
Thank you for sharing the most vulnerable, most intimate, most joyous, most real time of your life with the world to see. I thank you as a mother. I thank you as a wife. But for me more importantly I thank you as a daughter. My mother went to meet Jesus 15 years ago. She had breast cancer. She surprised the doctors and fought for 6 years. She embraced life but I so wish she would have shared more of her knowledge for me as to what my future could look like as a mother. She was afraid that if she made a video for me that it meant she would die. I can only imagine what she was feeling but I have come to realize that she did her best. Thank you for loving Jesus with all your heart, soul and mind. May these days be filled with joy, laughter, lots of hugs and kisses. Cling to the cross!

Yes I’ve been following Kara’s blog…such grace……I would like to donate a copy to my church….there are a few people there who are going through cancer themselves and this book may provide comfort. Thank you for your generosity. God Bless.

In case you missed it, John Blase wrote Epiphany, for Kara:
“I thought of you early this morning
when I looked out into the windowed sky
and saw the full phased white orb casting
enough light to rival the sun.
I thought that’s what you are to me, to us,
that although your body has slowly waned
your heart has only continued to wax,
brighter and grander in its intensity.
I sat down to capture these thoughts then rose
minutes later to gain another glimpse
of you in the night sky but you were gone.
Dawn was beginning to bleed against the cold.”

Deeply touching, beautifully written to express, I think, how it will feel to awaken on that day when we said goodbye for now…Kara as being a brilliant reflection of the Son’s light…It reminds me that as the glorious rising sunshine overwhelms the moon, Kara will be called unto Himself. As the outer wanes day by day, the inner is renewed, fulfilled to overflowing, forever… So. Much.Love…..

The God of the Universe is holding you close. May His trancendent peace, healing, and love comfort you now and always. He has prepared a wondrous place for you, his faithful follower, and will welcome you home according to His timing. We will miss your earthly presence. Your wisdom and faith is a beacon of hope. You have faithfully shown His grace in your journey home and we will rejoice in knowing that when you are called, you will be restored to perfect health and glory and will dwell in the house of the Lord, in His healing presence.

Thank you for sharing your pain and desire to be blissfully ignorant. It has been one of those years. My best friend is battling cancer, I’m dealing with chronic pain that was worsened after a “trip” down my stairs (fractured my back and made old issues worse) and at this moment, my precious uncle’s life-light is flickering as my cousins stay at his bedside and compassionate hospice nurses keep him comfortablee. Kara’s honesty and faith in the goodness of God and His grace in the eye of “hard” has inspired me, comforted me and reminded me to live in the present…to be thankful for my blessings an to lift up others in prayer. I look forward to meeting both of you someday….but that meeting may need to wait for heaven and that’s OK. My cousins and uncle choose to not say “goodbye”, but “I will see you later.”

Thank you, Gina for sharing your heart here with us as Kara does so eloquently on her blog and in her book “The Hardest Peace.” I’ve been following her blog for a while now and can’t stop thinking about her! My heart aches for her “hard” and I just wish the Lord would work a HUGE miracle in her life and that she’d wake up tomorrow completely healed! Wouldn’t that be soooo AWESOME? And yet, I know that reality is often harsh….and I know that in the midst of the harsh, Jesus is still good! I pray for Kara and her sweet family daily. I will pray for you also and all of her friends!

Beautiful post. I can’t remember when I stumbled upon Mundane Faithfulness, but have followed ever since. Kara comes to mind at the oddest times, but I always feel it God’s way of asking me to pray and I do. I can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for sharing .

Kara’s story, which I’ve been following on her blog, is breaking my heart and inspiring me so much at the same time. What beauty she shows in her life. What faith. I’m in awe of her, and keep her in my prayers.

I’ve only recently read Kara’s blog but have been deeply moved by her courage and grace. I can’t begin to imagine how hard it is to know your children won’t have their mom, but her faith is so real to know beyond doubt that God will fill in every gap and need they have. Such an inspiration.

While I don’t know Kara personally, she is a friend of a friend and I have been praying for her since her first diagnosis. Being a breast cancer survivor myself, her story has touched me in ways nothing else ever has. She is living out this hard in her life with such dignity, grace and peace that it is hard not to love her, not to want more of her. Thank you for sharing her story with your readers too. I do believe each of us over our lifetime will be touched by someone like her whose life is cut shorter than we think it should be but to watch and hear how the Lord is meeting her in each day is such an encouragement even for daily living.

As I have followed Kara’s blog and journey I cannot help but notice the stark contrast of her beautiful life and choice to trust Christ’s sovereignty against the individuals who have determined their own exact date of death by means of assisted suicide. As ones hidden in Christ, we need never fear death because of the hope that we have in the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Kara is truly a hero of the faith. Kara, I am praying for you tonight.

I’ve been following Kara’s blog for about a year and a half, and although I’ve never met her she has touched me and taught me more than I can express.

This was my verse for 2014 (displayed in a frame on my bathroom counter where I can see it and be reminded multiple times a day) and I think Kara has been an inspiring example of putting these words into practice:

“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” – Proverbs 31:25

Kara is a friend of a friend and I have followed her story for the past year or so with much admiration. She lives what she writes and is the real deal… a humble, willing vessel, allowing the grace of Jesus to shine through her in the midst of unimaginable suffering. With 4 kids of my own, all about the ages of her “loves,” her story is so touching to me. I am so glad to see you promote her book. May we all remember to lift her and her family up in prayer regularly & to trust in Jesus so completely.

I just stumbled across Kara’s story and want to say that I’m deeply touched by her faithfulness in the midst of unimaginable trials. It’s a living testimony of God’s goodness and his grace and it gives me courage to keep pressing on. Kara, me and my family will be praying for you and your family. Hope to meet you in heaven:)

Kara is an amazing woman! I have her book on my Kindle but would love a copy to share with friends. I look forward to meeting Kara one day, if not here on Earth,then in heaven. What powerful words she has to share!

Ugh! Wow!! Where to start…. I am beyond touched by your blog and of course have been deeply touched by Kara’s story. I am praying for her daily and for her faithfulness to shine through and in doing so to continue to bless so many. Connecting with Kara has brought back so much of my “spiritual fire.” She is so so special and to so many. I have struggled with extreme anxiety since losing my Aunt to cancer last year. My Aunt was like a mother to me and seeing her lose her battle was devastating to both my faith and myself; not to mention my family. I pray that more people like myself might find themselves engaged with Him again through the perseverance that Kara has shown to all of us. If Kara can do it when her earthly life is failing her, then why can’t I?? Kara- thank you for the hope, love, faith and honesty. You are such a gift!! I cherish what you have given to us all. I can’t wait to read your book. I love you…
Sincerely,
The friend and neighbor you never met but the one who needed to hear your story and feel your hope…

Kara,
Thank you so much for your inspiring words of dealing with the hard places. My hard place right now is trying to figure out how to live life, without my dear husband who flew home this past September, from the ugly “c” word. You are so right that it is only by God’s grace and mercy that we are able to endure these life changing hards in our lives. Your heart is as big as the big love you give so lavishly. ❤️

I stumbled upon Kara’s blog a few months ago through Ann Voscamp’s blog after picking up Ann’s book One Thousand Gifts. I have thought about getting Kara’s book as I am Stage 4 Breast Cancer patient going on 5 years of treatment with 2 little ones – 5 and 9… My hesitation in getting her book was similar to yours in that I was just scared of being sad and reading sadness when you can relate in a very personal way of what you could go through and not really wanting to see it so closely…yet! I am doing really well BUT just like so many others I have been so inspired by Kara in so many ways that if I don’t get the book in this giveaway, I will certainly purchase it and surely be encouraged!!!

I have been encouraged by (and leaning on) this quote lately : ‘Even when I hear nothing, i rest in knowing He hears me.’ I know God is listening to and holding Kara so close to His heart. He is certainly working through her to remind all of us to turn to Him for grace and for peace, through the calm and through the storm. Much love and endless gratitude for sharing your story.

Kara’s story is one that is heart wrenching and inspiring at the same time. Kara, I pray for you and your family every day- my in laws are from the same area you live in and sometimes it feels extra real knowing that things like this happen so near us. You have taught me a lot about not fearing, grace, and peace- all HUGE lessons that I have needed to learn. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Everything Kara posts both rips my heart open and grows it (much like the Grinch). I think of she and her family and pray for them daily. I am changed because of the way she shares her story. The honest grappling with walking out her faith in her dying is beyond beautiful. Words tumble in my head and heart as do memories of times I have walked through the death of family members and friends’ family members. So hard to do. And yet, as Kara says and Kris shares, we have Jesus. Death is vicious and a monster and so is grief. And yet, Christ is the Victor. He heals us day by day especially as we surround each other carrying each other through. During an especially tough time walking through the illness, death and grief of my mother-in-law, I clung to one verse. Often it was the only prayer I had strength for and the reminder of where my strength was. That verse was Psalm 18:1, “I love you, O LORD, my strength.”

Kara, you have been in my prayers for months, ever since I started reading your blog. Your words have made me laugh, cry, and reevaluate life. Your blog and your story has made me count my blessings and stop taking things for granted, it has helped me to realize that life is short and that we only have a little bit of time to love and live fully before we are called home. Your story has truly impacted and changed my life. So it is true that God does bring good even out of our worst circumstance. I hate that your pain has to be necessary, but God is using it for good, He is using it to change lives forever. You and your story are making a lasting impact that will stay and live on long after you are Home. My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up on wings like eagles, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not grow faint.” I pray that this is your strength, and that as you wait and trust in the Lord, He will give you strength and allow you to soar like an eagle over this time of trouble. Please just know that you are in my prayers and that I will be looking forward to actually meeting you in person when we both get Home 🙂

Kara and family: I’ve only just begun to read and reflect from your blog and other writings. You’ve learned the art of letting go . . . to the most cherished . . . and God’s great grace has allowed you to minister to so many . . .like me. Holy Spirit . . .flood their lives as never before . . . nourish their tender souls . . . with your quite, gentle love. I hope to win this book . . to read then to pass along to others in her same situation. In Jesus’ mighty name, the name above all names.

Kara’s amazing grace has inspired me more than she will ever know. Her strength and steadfastness makes me more present and grateful in my own life, more concious of my many blessings. I pray she knows how many lives God is touching through her. And even more, I pray her sweet loves know this and are comforted by it.

For Kara, whose epic courage and transforming faith is changing lives one heartrending teardrop at a time. Like Gerard Sitzer’s story, “A Grace Disguised,” your story knits the sorrow of so many into a glorious tapestry we have confidence through you to trust that we will see it’s beauty together on the other side. You may go before us. If so, like Reepicheep, you will welcome many in the Lion’s name, and your worldwide friends look forward to the privilege to know you gloriously. May His perfect peace always give you transforming comfort and confidence. Blessings to you today and always … 💗

I just discovered Kara’s story yesterday and wow, I am in awe of Kara’s Jesus-trusting, love-big, peace-permeated eyes. I have been meditating on this verse today, and wanted to share with Kara: “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” Ps 27:4

I’ve been following Kara’s journey for a while now even though it breaks my heart. I look forward to a post from her but I also dread them at the same time. Know what I mean? I fear the post that will tell us her beautiful soul has left us. Thank you for your post about this.

Oh, how I love Jesus through His creation that is Kara. I know her, but have never met her…..and only Jesus can weave that common thread. I see HIM through her as I stroll through the pictures of her life. I hear HIM through her as her words enter and settle on my own heart. I watch HIM through her as she limps through the hardness that is ours to bear as we share in the moments of Grace for His glory. My, oh, my how He has changed me and given me a new perspective on LIVING, whether here or there, through His wonderful, lovely servant and creation named Kara. In her words……praise be!

I haven’t been living. I’ve been hiding in emotional pain. Today I read Kara’s story and was humbled by the selfishness of doing so. Tomorrow I am going to do my darndest so start living with the passion she does.

It is an intimate and sacred thing to enter into someone’s pain. Kara’s story and blog and book have allowed just that. She has changed my heart and I’ve pursued my children,my husband and my faith in new ways. Thank you Kara. Tonight I sat and prayed with a friend who is losing her husband of three years. Her young daughter played while we cried and laughed. Kara has taught me how to love bigger.

Kara, you and your family have been in my prayers for the past few months, ever since I stumbled across your blog. Your words have truly changed my life and I want you to know that God is truly working through your story. Your words have encouraged me to reevaluate my life and to stop taking my loved ones for granted. Your words have shown me that I can’t keep assuming I will have tomorrow do do what I know God is calling me to do today. And your words have shown me that God can use my weaknesses to show others His strength. God is truly bringing good out of your story…as much as I wish you didn’t have to experience this pain, I hope it brings you some encouragement to know that God is truly doing big things through this and that the results of His work will live long after you have gone Home. Thank you. Thank you for your honesty and for your willingness to serve and honor God even in your most painful, difficult days. I am praying for you and I am praying for your beautiful family. My favorite Bible verse has been Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint.” This verse has walked me through some very difficult challenges in life and I hope that it can give you some encouragement as you walk through this valley. I pray that the Lord will renew your strength during this time and that you will have peace as you continue on this journey. I will continue to be praying for you and your family, and I can’t wait to finally get to meet you in person and give you a big hug someday when we meet in our Savior’s presence!!! Love and hugs.

I started to follow Kara’s history fromfoxus on thw family.my heart was broke to listen of what she is being going trough but after it I started learning so much from his Writings from facebook I always and expecting her to put somethig just to know how she is doing. I cheer with her every moment as mine. I feel really close to her even i dont know her and she does not know me. I really will like to have her book and I will. I really need to have it. I always pray for you my dear Kara Thanks for all what you touched me trough your journey My Pastor was diagnostic with Cancer in November and I share him your history. I know he is a man of Faith but you are a warrior. Thanks for inspired me and make me enjoy and be grateful more than I do. Love Mary 💜

Kara, like Abraham chose God….her legacy is her blessed husband, little’s, extended family, and friends. You all will carry her love, faith in adversity, and testimony to all whom cross your paths and God will be glorified through her life…bless you all in the days ahead 💖

I have been following Kara for quite a while. She always, always inspires me. No matter what she posts I always take something positive away, even if only a picture of her beautiful smile. LOVE her upbeat attitude in her posts. So refreshing to see someone who by all rights has tons to complain about leaving us with positive things to think on. She is such a bright light in this world of darkness!!

Kara, you and your family have been in my prayers for the past few months, ever since I stumbled across your blog. Your words have truly changed my life and I want you to know that God is truly working through your story. Your words have encouraged me to reevaluate my life and to stop taking my loved ones for granted. Your words have shown me that I can’t keep assuming I will have tomorrow do do what I know God is calling me to do today. And your words have shown me that God can use my weaknesses to show others His strength. God is truly bringing good out of your story…as much as I wish you didn’t have to experience this pain, I hope it brings you some encouragement to know that God is truly doing big things through this and that the results of His work will live long after you have gone Home. Thank you. Thank you for your honesty and for your willingness to serve and honor God even in your most painful, difficult days. I am praying for you and I am praying for your beautiful family. My favorite Bible verse has been Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint.” This verse has walked me through some very difficult challenges in life and I hope that it can give you some encouragement as you walk through this valley. I pray that the Lord will renew your strength during this time and that you will have peace as you continue on this journey. I will continue to be praying for you and your family, and I can’t wait to finally get to meet you in person and give you a big hug someday when we meet in our Savior’s presence!!! Love and hugs.

Kara, you magnify Jesus by showing us He is better. Better then life, better then health, better and more soul satisfying then we can hope. You glorify Him Kara and He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thank you for your example.

What amazes me is that I came across your site and giveaway because I receive Kara’s updates in my Facebook feed. With all this she is going through she continually points people back to peace and love, the Lord Jesus Christ. An inspiration to so many. Thank you for sharing your heart as well. I need to remember that my boys will grow up too fast and I will miss those days.

“time here is growing thin now for this precious reflector of light”. Your words have caused me to think about time. Our times are in His hands. Am I a “reflector of His light”? I would like to think that I am…..at times I think that I am…..but truth says that I am not as much as I could be. So much distraction from things that, in the end won’t matter at all. Thank you for your words today. Thank you for stopping me in my tracks to focus on being a “reflector of light”.

I am praying big prayers for this sweet mama whose story has touched me deeply in the few weeks I’ve been following her.

Each new post, regardless of the topic, no matter the news she has to share, is just so filled with love and heart and grace.

In the days to come, this is the gift that we will remember, this is the light that will remain on dark nights. The love she has for her family and our God, the love she has shared with us all, that is the blessing that will remain.

On that day when God writes the last verse in the book of her life, these are the words that will whisper peace in the ears of those that need to hear it…these deep, soul filled offerings from her heart to ours will keep her beautiful spirit alive.

Kara’s strength and grace brings me back to 3 years ago when my young beautiful mother on 51, was calling on Gods grace and will to bring her to his feet, to meet him and glorify him in heaven, to dance before him. My sister and I held her sweet delicate body in our arms until her last breaths. Even in her last hours she had such peace that she knew Jesus was waiting to meet her. It is hard to let go and give up someone you love so much and to see your loved ones so broken and yet they are so brave and strong at the same time. I miss her every day and I miss all the things she is unable be apart of ,my children especially.

O God of resurrection, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead, I pray to you on behalf of Kara. May she know the comfort of your presence, the power of your love to give life even in the face of death, and the hope of your salvation. May she be blessed with the presence of family and friends to banish her loneliness and fears, the love of those who care for them to ease their pain, and the hope of always being remembered by those who they have loved. All this we ask through the one who died for us that we might live, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

I have no words to say… seems like anything I would say has already been said by so many! Kara is a young lady who loves her family, is blessed with a loving husband, and most of all knows THE Savior! Her words… her story… brings life into perspective. Reminds this mama (the one leaving this comment) what is truly important in life. I am so thankful the Lord is using her to touch so many. Continued prayers for the Tippetts.

Kara, you have been a great inspiration to me the last few months I’ve been following your blog through facebook! I don’t know you personally but in a way know you through your blog. I’ve been checking every day for updateson facebook. And my heart leaps when I see theirs an update and quickly click on it. I have been praying for you each day as soon as I started following you and my husband and I pray together for you as well. We are so thankful you know the great peace of our Lord because that just makes it so much easier. When God is on our side who can be against us? I also love the versesof comfort the previous person posted on here. I pray that Gods Word will continue to be of a great comfort to you. I pray for your dear family as well and hope they too feel much of Gods presence, comfort. I’ll be purchasing a few copies of your books as I want to give them as gifts and of course keep for myself to read as well. Stay strong in the Lord and be of good courage!

O God of resurrection, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead, I pray to you on behalf of Kara. May she know the comfort of your presence, the power of your love to give life even in the face of death, and the hope of your salvation. May she be blessed with the presence of family and friends to banish their lonliness and fears, the love of those who care for them to ease their pain, and the hope of always being remembered by those she loved. All this I ask through the one who died for us that we might live, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Kara is truly the epitome of the following scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:10
‘But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’

As a child of God, struggling with my own walk with God, the life of Kara has inspired me. To know that she can go through all the pain, suffering and heartache and still to claim that God is good and loving, is beyond me and I can not comprehend that. But God…….. Through the life of Kara, a complete stranger to me, have used her and spoken to me. I was blind, but now I see, that God’s Grace hedges us in from before and behind. It encompasses us, and will never leave us, even when walking through the valley of the shadow of death. God’s abiding presence be with you and your family Kara, mwah

Kara has such a sweet gentle soul. I have been praying for her and her family without ceasing. Her Faithful words move me to be a better person. Everyday I check to see if she has written more inspiration, if not I find myself re-reading her previous days. I too thought the book would be to difficult to read so had not purchased it. After reading your blog I see I was wrong. Now I can’t wait to read and pass along the blessing just as you have chosen to do. Blessing to you Gina

on our knees in South Africa praying for Kara and her beautiful family…This song by Steven Curtis Chapman got me through some pretty tough days and nights. May it comfort you as it did me…

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN
Jesus Will Meet You There

When you think you’ve hit the bottom
and the bottom gives way
and you fall into a darkness
no words can explain
and you don’t know how you make it out alive
Jesus will meet you there.

When the doctor says, “I’m sorry,
we don’t know what else to do.”
and you’re looking at your family
wondering how they’ll make it through…
Whatever road this life takes you down,
Jesus will meet you there.

He knows the way to wherever you are
He knows the way to the depths of your heart
He knows the way cuz he’s already been
where you’re going
Jesus will meet you there.

Kara, Even just the title of your blog gives me joy and hope during the dailyness of life! I’ve just recently started reading your blog and have been touched by your deep relationship with Christ and how you are remaining so faithful to our savior. Bless you!!

I’ll try this again — I left the page before my comment was posted, so I think it was lost.

Kara has touched my life as she has countless others. After reading her blog and meeting her at the conference in NC in September, I grew to love her and her family. I pray for all of them several times a day. Since I got an autographed copy of her book, if I were to win a copy, I would pass it on to someone else with the hope they would receive the same blessing I did when I read it. Thank you for sharing your heart with us, Gina. ❤️

Kara I found your blog through a friend battling cancer. I was astounded by the peaceful tone and gracious attitude that permiated from your writings and resinated with me hours after I stopped reading. I cannot even imagine or begin to relate with your journey, but I see where I have fallen short so many times to recognize life as a gift and live each second in awe and gratitude of God. Pairing your story with scripture brings a new perspective to God’s word that I am so thankful for. Many blessings, much love and prayers that your days are filled with joy and meaning.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read Kara’s book. Thank you even more for sharing why we should ALL take the time to read Kara’s book. God assures us that our lives will not be without trials and tribulations. What a gift Kara is giving all of us by sharing what she has, and is, learning on the road she must travel – Inevitably a road we will all travel, in one form or another, to one degree or another. And, yes,…what better gift could we give our children than teaching them – showing them – that God’s grace will meet us wherever we are. Looking forward to reading her book and the hope and peace that Kara’s words will bring. What a beautiful vessel for God she is.

Thank you for your post, Gina- it is all too easy for us to get wrapped up in stress and trying to “get through” our present without really stopping and considering that with each day that goes by, this time is slipping away. Reading Kara’s blog has helped me stop fast forwarding and start living in the moment. Because there were always be hurdles. Christ told us that. But our littles won’t always be little. And our time with them is really so little. I just had a baby boy back in May and can’t believe it’s already the new year! Thank you for the reminder of “being present” and thank you for doing this book giveaway! I have no doubt The Lord will bless two more lives through this precious woman’s words.

I’m up nursing my six week old and just went from wishing I was back in bed to relaxing a little further into this mid-night feeding.
The paragraph “What if we didn’t just commanded ourselves to relish the fleeting present, but instead equipped our children to meet the future, whatever it holds. What if we could bind to their hearts that God is good, and His grace will meet them there…”
Wow. I’m letting that really sink in.
Praying for Kara, Jason, their children and their community…that grace would meet them.
“My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

At first I felt voyeuristic, looking in on sacred, private moments of your last days, Kara. But now I read your posts, and pray, and thank God for the light and hope that’s shining out of your story. You are making God beautiful, which our world needs so much!

I just recently heard Kara’s story. I don’t even personally know her, but she is in my thoughts and prayers throughout the days. I thank God for her life, her trust in Him, and her willingness to let us learn from Him through her journey. He is gracious. Thanks for your post. It is great to be introduced to your blog.

I have fallen in love with Kara through this journey of hers. It breaks my heart that she is suffering and nearing the end, and I hope and pray that God holds her and her family close in this difficult time! I hope I can win and read this book. Thanks for doing the giveaway!!

when one is flat on their face in the mud puddle, nothingness in spirit and in bones and along comes a Good Samaritan…takes you to the hospital of heart and mind, for that’s the hospital we need…and says: GRACE. Oh, doesn’t it become a song, Zephaniah 3:17 kind of song.
Kara, a songwriter.

I keep going back to Kara…humanly it’s all so sad, but with God…it’s beautiful. Bittersweet, but beautiful. And me in the midst of life & mothering, needs this reminder, that we are dust, our days are numbered, today is a gift. I love the honesty & grace laced words.

i just finished reading her book last night, so I don’t “need” a copy, although I’ve already thought about who I would give it to…I really want Kara to know that her story is changing mine. My understanding of Gods grace has multiplied because of her willingness to share with all of us. My priorities have been rearranged and my energy refocused towards Godly things. I pray continually for Kara and her family…thank you for sharing the messy, sad, frustrating and disappointing parts…and for showing us THAT is the good story. 💕

I found Kara’s story when Britney, the young girl in Oregon, was in the news last fall championing her right to end her life. Kara’s sweet, gentle and kind response to such difficult topic was beautiful and drew me to her blog. Kara has framed death for us in her writings in a way that makes it not is scary. My friend who is a palliative care expert recently said people aren’t afraid of death, they are afraid of what leads up to death. The unknown and being alone. She goes on to say so many anticipate, are filled with joy and are there to welcome us as we enter the world, the same should occur when we are walking in the shadow of the valley. That is exactly what I believe is happening with Kara as I, a stranger, witness the love, compassion and mundane faithfulness of Kara, her family and friends (“real life” and virtual). When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout with victory. Those are two lines from a song we sang often in church when I was growing up. We don’t gave to wait until we get to heaven. Jesus is right here amidst us all in this hard life stuff we are doing. Every. Day.

great post! i’d love the book! her blog is so hopeful and positive in the middle of a very sad situation! my hopeful words from GOD’s word?

Finally, brothers (and sisters) rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:11,14

Psalm 121-Praying daily here for lovely Kara & her dear sweet loves. So thankful for our sure hope in Christ! Despite the desperately hard circumstances Kara and her family have endured and are still enduring, I’m left so encouraged! ~Sandra Devitt~

I have been following Kara’s story for some time although I have not read the book. Seeing as I bawl through each blog post, I didn’t want to read the book – just yet. But then recently, someone very near to me was diagnosed, surgery had & chemo begun & my world was changed. Her posts took on such a different perspective. The verse I have been holding onto – “God is our refuge and our strength, an EVER-PRESENT help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
Thank you for this opportunity to win the book. Either way, this book is a must read for me soon. Blessings!

I imagine Heaven is bustling in anticipation. I have a precious child there and ever since He rescued her to Himself I have viewed heaven differently, wonderfully and more longingly. Yet this life holds us captive for now. For His purposes.

There are too many things to say….So I’ll keep it short and say Kara and her story have changed my life. Absolutely changed everything! I read my mom’s copy of The Hardest Peace and would LOVE one of my own to keep forever!

Thank you for your writings. Gone too soon – — My 3 kids are grown and out of our home now and I still can’t get used to it. My husband and I sat in our living room the other night watching a program and I said to him, “It’s too quiet in our house now.” He looked at me and smiled and said, “Yeah”, knowing what I meant. He knows I miss the past life and I have had a really hard time adjusting.
I have followed Kara and Jason since I heard them on Focus on the Family. I so appreciate them opening up their lives to us. What an encouragement, what ministry they have been to so many people. I know so many have been praying for them and their family, but oh how they have ministered to so many of our hearts.

to Gina- my prayers for you in this challenging time. I am reading Kara’s book on my Kindle and am reading, crying, and journaling through. Kara has a gift of knowing God’s heart in a special way. Kara–thank you for sharing your gift! I have a friend who just received a challenging diagnosis that I will give the book to. Prayers daily to all

My heart is breaking. It’s breaking for Kara and her family, it’s breaking for those who know and love her and it’s breaking for me – a 43 year old woman who is walking the exact same dusty road. There is nothing easy about dying. And the knowing part that has, at some point, to become the gift. The knowing and moving towards it is all grace. It’s exquisite and painful, heartbreaking and redemptive. But it is the most gentle grace I’ve ever known and that grace will lead us home. God bless us.

As a 4 yr breast cancer fighter I welcome the kind words and uplifting hope that Kara hands out to all on her blog. As I want to wallow in my own self pity I see the remarkable strength and courage this amazing woman lives with each day. Her faith is so amazingly strong and I can only wish for such a beautiful connection with our Lord! May you always know the absolute peace you have brought to so many of us “cancer sisters” with just a few words!

Jesus Christ has made it possible for life to swallow up death. Obviously it happens in the life after this one when we are His followers, but even in this life…. death can be swallowed by walking in life and love and seeing the grace in all of the moments. Kara has not allowed death to swallow up her life here, but has, by the power of the Holy Spirit residing in her, has reversed that and life has swallowed death.

I ‘found’, and now follow Kara, after her letter to Brittany Maynard.
I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated her honesty and transparency as she is goes thru her journey to heaven. My heart is grieved and yet filled with hope as I follow Mundane Faithfulness. I have prayed over and over for Kara and her family. And I look forward to one day meeting her face to face!!
Gods CONTINUED Grace to Kara, her family, and friends as they travel a journey that they didn’t want or ask to travel!!
Chelsi

Please tell Kara that although words utterly fail, she and her family are so loved, thought of and prayed for. Her story reminds me of the verse that says, “Oh death, where is your sting? Oh grave, where is your victory?” I think it is a bitter defeat for our enemy when beautiful light shines brightly, even in the worst circumstances we can think of. God is enough. He IS enough. Kara, I am holding you up to the Father every single day.

She is the true definition of this verse. I read this over and over again to my mama as she died. Soon the long suffering will be over. Heart is breaking for us. But so thankful she opened up her heart in such a real way. ❤️

I am so amazed at how Kara is an encouragement to people not going through a fraction of what she is going through. I have learned a lot from her, to use God’s grace to live each moment given to us by God. Thank you Kara. I do pray for you.

Reading about Kara’s journey has been such a blessing to me. So many times we try to avoid the hard thoughts about death and dying as we do our best to live well. Kara has opened my eyes to the beauty and grace of dying well.

I have been following Kara’s story for a few months now and just can’t get her family off my mind. They are in my prayers continually. She has inspired me to be more intentional with my time and my energy and to take every opportunity to love more deeply. I just read a quote from Susanna Wesley that reminded me of Kara…”as the end neared and with her family around her, she instructed them: “Children, as soon as I am released sing a psalm of praise to God.” She passed away July 23, 1742.” Kara has been preparing all those around her to do this very thing.

I do not know Kara, personally, yet I feel like I know her. I have been following her blog for numerous months now and all I can say is “Wow!” She is such an inspiration and encouragement to me to just keep going, no matter what is doled out to you. I love the pictures of her and her sweet family. I know God is going to continue to mightily use her in whatever days she has left on this earth, and,many days, even years, after she leaves this earth. What a testimony! Wow!!!

After losing our 22 month old son in May, life has been well….hard. However, like Kara we try very hard to focus on the promises God gives us. It does not come easy, it’s something we have to strive for every single day, but it’s so wiorth it. The peace we have felt in the midst of this horrible storm were in is indescribable. I can’t imagine doing this without God. I recently stumbled across Kara’s blog and it has blessed me deeply. We pray for continued strength, grace and peace for the whole family as they spend their remaining time together. And I’m sure that her book will bring many blessings and a legacy for her kids…

I have been following Kara’s story for a few months. I think it first stood out to me because we share the same (not real common) name. I am so thankful that she is allowing the Lord to use her thru this most difficult time in her life. The grace she has shown is amazing and I respect her so much! I believe the Lord will greet her with a “Well done.” I would love to read her book. I think we all, even as Christians, fear death in some capacity. Maybe it’s more the thought of leaving our little ones and loved ones behind, but Kara has helped me to see that the focus needs to be on what lies ahead….because for those of us who know Christ as our Savior the best is yet to come!

Kara is showing us, with tangible words, how life looks thru the eyes of one who knows her Saviour intimately and believes that each moment we are given here COUNTS. Bravely putting out there her joys–and fears. Showing us how to live with dignity, and die with dignity. Being honest that we don’t really know much about this dying thing, but still yearning to find the grace there and complete the journey well.

Kara is a beautiful example of a Christ-follower. She does not ask for your pity–but does ask for your prayers. She is real about the good and the icky–but always points us back to the Creator. Her husband and children are blest to share in this extraordinary woman’s life 💕

Saints like Kara are mighty inspirations to the church, and reminders that this life is only the beginning, and the groundwork for the next. I pray that she finds peace, and that the rest of us take to heart the beautiful example that she has set in her walk, her life, her suffering.

Hi Gina, I found the link to your blog on Kara’s page. She is the most inspirational person I ever had the privilege to meet. Her story often brings tears, yet it encourages me all the while. We continue to pray for a miracle always hoping God will make miraculous healing part of this beautiful plan, for I can’t think of a more deserving family!! At the same time I know all to well how God uses our life and death. My Father died after a battle with Pancreatic Cancer. During his dying God showed me clearly that he was able to do more in dying than in living and so I accepted the dying as I watched God use him daily. It’s painful of course, devastatingly, but I imagine Kara and her family truly have the peace that only God provides in this moment!! Thank you Lord for such a willing, beautiful vessel of your love, grace and peace!! Please continue to bless Kara, her favorite human and all their littles!!! Give them your strength and peace as she becomes more and more spirt and less and less body! May they always remain close to you and your love and Lord please ease their pain, keep her here as long as possible in your plan and may her legacy of great faith live on always!! ~ Amen

I have followed Kara for just over a year, but haven’t had a chance yet to read her book. I love that she encourages all of us in whatever hard place we are, and it’s not a competition to see who has it hardest. It is looking to Jesus for the grace to embrace our days. Thanks for the give away.

Sweet Kara, your story is being used so greatly by our great God. He has used you to speak to so many hurting people and impact so many lives for his glory. The candle of your life is like a torch, lighting a fire in the hearts of people, encouraging them to love big, to cherish the people with whom a God has blessed them, and seek the mighty face of the one true God who can make all things new and carries all of our burdens. You have pointed people toward ultimate peace. I thank you so very much, from the bottom of my heart, for the way you have chosen to live your life. Mine is forever changed by you. Bless you sweet sister.

When my son took his own life I learned that while the sorrow will always be present, so will the grace. God is present in all things and dying is but a part of living. Sorrow is merely the balance for great joy. The manner of our death does not define us but rather, the manner of our living. Kara is using her life to glorify God and surely the angels must be singing….

I’ve been really touched by Kara’s life. I first heard her on Focus on the Family. Praying for her and her family. The quote you mentioned above “But if the hardest is asked of us, we believe grace will be there” (p140) spoke so profoundly to me as I’m dealing with my “hardest” right now.

How do you leave a word of encouragement for someone who constantly encourages you? Kara’s journey has pushed me into new understanding of who God is and has made me ask some hard questions and look at my own life. There is a whispered reminder in my spirit when I grow frustrated with my little ones. When I am murmuring about my husband. I’m so grateful for the glimpse into Kara’s life. It has impacted me so much and I pray it continues to influence my choices, both in word and deeds. Kara, your life has had purpose and has touched so many. I wish you didn’t have to walk this. You have shown me that His grace is sufficient. His strength is enough. Thank you for your testimony. ❤

Kara has been on my heart and in my prayers throughout 2014. Every day, I look online to read her updates. I’m praying for these precious days left with her family to be rich, and for God to supply all of their needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

So thankful for your reminder to savor the moments as well as Kara’s beautiful example of living out II Corinthians 12:9 ” ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Thank you for reviewing Kara’s book. I only started following her blog in the last six months. It has been an epiphany for me. A revelation. A woman who’s heart I want to emulate. I mourn as her journey on earth is ending but rejoice that she will soon be with our Savior and her pain will no longer be. Many of us have fallen in love with Kara and her family. And thanks to her found a new love in our own lives towards our littles and our husbands. Learning to trust God no matter what, even though I thought I had that down, was a big lesson for me. I will be forever grateful to Kara for that.

Hi Gina, thank you for your blog. I have been following Kara’s journey and I must say I have never see anything like this in my journey as a christian. The spirit of God in her has seen her through all the pain, tears, heartbreaks….I thank God for her absolute trust and confidence in whom God is and what His word says. It is a bitter-sweet story, while we stand to loose one of the finest believer in Christ I have ever known, heaven gains a good and faithful servant back home. What she wasn’t able to achieve in health all her life for the Kingdom of God, she achieved in sickness. bringing people to the knowledge and saving grace of God, and strengthening the hearts of other believers. Her message has been heard by as many people that have followed her story-The presence of suffering doesn’t mean the absence of God. Thank you Kara! God’s still got your back and He alone knows the final hour if and when He decides. Love you always!

Thanks for your sweet testimony. Been following Kara for a while through another dear cancer-fighting mama and son. Thanking God for sisters like you and them who draw me, even in suffering, to our Daddy’s tender presence! May you be delighted by the immeasurable treasures he holds!

Thank you Gina for this post. I’ve been following Kara’s blog and her page on Facebook since her “Letter to Brittany” and it has meant so very much to me. I have her book. It’s wonderful. I pray that two deserving readers will “win” the books you are offering and be able to share her life as only she can share it.

I’m wondering about another problem that you might be able to help out with. I read all through Kara’s blog from start to finish (all the archives) and I now have a few friends who would like to do the same but we can’t seem to find the archives in her new layout. This is not something I want to post on Kara’s pages. Maybe you can hep.

I am so thankful that Kara has shared her life! Her raw, honest ups & downs – she is real! I have been so touched by her life! I see the bigger picture in the little things. I pray for her, I pray for her family – and I will continue to do so! What an amazing legacy!

I heard about Kara after Ann Voskamp posted Kara’s letter to the young woman in the fall who was promoting doctor assisted suicide. And I started reading her blog. I’m surprised that I keep going back because its just so hard to think that she will she will soon leave her kids and sometimes is just hard to read. But her strength & faith in the Lord is inspiring me to draw closer to Him and giving me more peace in my life.

No matter what happens in life I believe Jeremiah 29:11-13…. ” For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Her life may be coming to an end as we all will face one day but it wasn’t an accident because God doesn’t make mistakes. She has chosen to honor God through it all and that was apart of “His plans” for her life. I only pray to be minutely as faithful as she is when my time comes if God’s grace allows me to still have my mind to do so. God is blessing her…even now.

How right you are that Gods goodness will not be diminished because of this time. The same for your family, because of your sweet words their goodness and fondness of you as a blessing will never be lost. Know how blessed this, as are you to know such a love. Peace be with you sister.

I was recently diagnosed with Stage IIB breast cancer. I found Kara by accident on the internet and immediately knew she had a very strong faith. I have followed her story and she has ministered to me although we have never met. I know she has fought valiantly and I know she will hear Jesus say, “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” I’m praying for her family. I would love to read her book. Blessings, Bonnie Annis

So many words have already been shared. When I read a post from Kara I think of when she sees Jesus face to face for the first time, and is overwhelmed and humbled by His grace. Her smile glows in pictures I’ve seen and I can’t imagine how big it will be seeing her savior! “Bless the lord, oh my soul…worship his holy name. Sing like never before, oh my soul! Worship his holy name”. This is what I think of when I read her blog. She will be worshipping soon!!! I would be honored to read more of her story in her book.

From a daughters prospective: Thank you so much for sharing. I have arrived late to all the post from Kara and have spent countless weeks , days and hours reading and crying through her post. Words can not describe the grace that Christ has shown us all through her beautiful words. It has been life changing in so many ways for me. I really don’t where to start except to say I am the daughter of Betty who lost her battle with breast cancer in 1986. She left behind three children one with CP and an undying love for her family and children. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss her and what could have been. I am so thankful that I had a mother who loved us , loved her family and loved Jesus. I cannot imagine how someone can make it though the hards with out the love of Christ and pure faith in his promise. I cherish the memories we made in the short time that we had her and I am grateful for the lessons she taught my sister and I so we could continue to mother her son in her absence.Like my mother she has shown a beautiful grace and her children will be forever changed. I am so thankful to have found Kara and her story and to finally understand the prospective of a mother. I want to say Thank You Kara for sharing your beautiful grace with us all. You will never know the lives she has touched and the countless mothers who we have lost that you have given voice to.

As a daughter and sister to a father and older sister who both won their battle over cancer in Heaven my heart goes out to Kara and her family as they walk this journey. As a Momma who just buried her youngest daughter of just twenty just 3 months ago I am struggling to find the peace that I know God is trying to give me. I am still at the point in my grief that I am asking the “What If” questions. I pray for your peace and understanding and Kara’s family Peace and understanding !

I just found out about Kara, her blog, her life, and her circumstances through following Ann V this week and I’m overwhelmed by her strength, grace and sharing. There is nothing more that I would love as a mother to read her book…I will eventually regardless if I win or not. Just wanted to say I’m praying for her, Kara! May the peace of God reign supreme in your heart and the hearts and minds of your family.

Gina, thank you for the opportunity to respond. The time I have spent reading Kara’s blog and anticipating, with great interest, her next post, has changed me forever. The admiration, love, courage, and strength her writing provides me will long live within me and will positively impact those in my life. I thank her for sharing her life journey with us.

I can’t imagine how many have been touched and changed by your story, as I know I have. And my biggest prayer is that so many more come to know the love of Christ through your incredible story of grace, trust, peace. God is good! And His plans are so vast and so grand yet we get to be a part of them!

This young mama’s story keeps popping up in front of me. Radio interviews months ago, her own blog, and how here with you. Her reliance on God for her strength is more than inspiring. I’m thinking that her story is something I need to bear witness to since God keeps putting it in front of me. Blessings!

As a dear older woman in our church was moving towards death some years ago, the concept of “dying well” was introduced to me. She died well. I see it in you, Kara, also…this “dying well”. It is being played out differently, but it is surely there, pointing us to God…to our purpose on this earth. My heart aches for you, for your husband, for your children, and if God continues to choose to call you home, this is one of the gifts you leave behind for them. May His name be praised.

I been following Kara for a while now and only need her once. But if any of you who’ve met her know that once is never enough. She is a true model of what I’d like to be. She is, in simple words… Amazing! I love her blog posts, her book and her insights. She turns to Jesus in everything and I can that means so much! I can only aspire to that. I love how she says, and I’m only paraphrasing here, Even in your deepest pain, Jesus will meet you there, and his grace will give you courage to get up and get through whatever it is. I love her, I’m moved by her and I’m transformed by her words. God is blessing your family Kara and even though we would all say bye for now, only for now. We’ll all hate the day of good bye. But I know we all love you and want desperately to do anything we can for your family. Anything at all. Thank you for your posts, and thank you Gina.? For an update sort of on Kara. I’m so sorry she is so sick and I understand how much you love her. My deepest heart wishes it were different. Love to you and yours!
Kym

Kara’s story has touched ny heart deeply. Her love of God and family is what I believe we all yearn for..and the peace that surpasses all understanding is clearly evident in this precious woman. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. She inspires me to be more trusting and to love more deeply.

Oh bother…. I left a comment in the wee early hours this morning, but it didn’t post… So, here is a repeat! I have been following Kara’s journey, and have fallen in love with her- her sweet heart, her bravery, and her unwavering faith in our Lord. It strengthens my faith to see how God has been faithful to her in her darkest hour. I would love to win and read her book. Thank you for posting this giveaway!

Oh… I have tried to comment a few times but it isn’t working.. . So, here is a repeat times two! I have been following Kara’s journey, and have fallen in love with her- her sweet heart, her bravery, and her unwavering faith in our Lord. It strengthens my faith to see how God has been faithful to her in her darkest hour. I would love to win and read her book. Thank you for posting this giveaway!

Hi Gina, Thank you for your blog and continuing to have people read Kara’s story. I think she is an incrediably strong, christian lady! I have been following her story and the way she is able to put her story into words is so poetic. My heart hurts that her and her family have to go through this. I also she what she is teaching her children and for that I don’t think there are any words. TRUE GODLY LOVE.

Honestly,the best and I know through God’s grace and your faith it’ll keep you strong. I would love to read that book just to learn more about grace and faith but if not I’ll probably buy it someday. 🙂

I am grateful to Kara for sharing her story and bringing glory to our great God through the hardest of circumstances. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that those who are suffering can look to Christ to give them more of HIMSELF, and that He will give it abundantly. It seems that He is doing that for Kara, and her beautiful faith gives me hope and confidence that were I ever to have to walk in those painful shoes, His grace would be there for me as well.

I am blessed in this new year to have discovered Kara’s blog through Kathy’s Miracle and, now, your own Facebook page! Though an older woman who has been given the great gift of continuing to live out my spoonful of diamonds, I have suffered some grievous losses over the course of my life. I like to think that each of them has refined the dross of my old self and I pray these experiences help me offer compassion and understanding to others. My wish is to ever deepen my spirituality by following and reading holy words like Kara’s and your own. Thank you for the precious words today. You have a new and devoted reader!

I have been following Kara’s blog for a little while, and am drawn to it largely because I lost my sister/best friend 3 years ago, to leukemia, at age 46. She, too, was a pastor’s wife, and left behind 8 children. Kara, your story has been amazing, and so has the grace God has given to you, to walk this road. What I see when I look at you is JOY! That is from the Lord, as is the peace that passes all understanding. May the Lord continue to hold you and your family in His loving hands.

First I want to say Im sorry with everything your going through. Ive been following your blog for a short time. I feel so blessed to be able to pray daily for you.I honestly want you to know what an inspiration you are to me. You are the most beautiful God loving woman I know who is dying and living life to the fullest. To me that is so awesome! Im a cancer survivor and unfortunately I have bad neuropathy and numb feet. Every time I feel myself feeling sad, I think of you and what your going through. I figure if you can be so happy in life knowing you’re dying,then I have nothing to be sad about. Besides Jesus, you are my hero. You’re so strong and brave. I know you get that from God because I do to. Ive learned to live in the moment. Having had cancer and watching and reading about you has also taught me that. You have inspired and taught so many how to love and live life. I say dont wait until tomorrow, do it now! Thank you for sharing your journey with me and so many others. You are making a difference. I will always remember you,pray for you and your family. Kara, I love you.
Love your sister in Christ, Sue 🙂

Your words that spoke directly to my heart today: “I already know I’ll miss these days. I already do.” Balancing my close relationship with grief with being a mother to young ones is by and large my greatest challenge. There are no words to describe Kara Tippets, I would be honored to receive a copy of her book.

Does anyone wonder if Kara has ANY idea how many people’s lives she has touched? I learned of her just last week, already read her book (take me out of the lottery, please), and am now finding other women of faith to follow. Her honesty blows me away. I don’t know how it is possible to love someone you have never meant, but I guess since we are sisters in God’s family, I shouldn’t be too surprised!

I was initially drawn to Kara’s story because of how genuine and raw her posts were. But what really stirred my heart was that her family’s story was so similar to my own. My mom, also a pastor’s wife, returned to her heavenly home after battling cancer and left behind three daughters (the youngest was a week-shy of 5). I was 6 at the time and barely have any recollections of the woman who gave birth to me. My dad remarried a lovely young lady who raised me and my two sisters. But unfortunately she developed some mental illness and it has created very very very toxic environments not only within our family, but also in the church community. I struggle daily, wishing that things were not they way they are. I’m still struggling with the effects of the years of abuse/neglect, guilt, and pain. But every day, God never fails to remind me of His grace and love. Thank you for bringing to light such a powerful truth. Kara’s blog has impacted me on a very very personal level. I have always longed to understand my mother and her journey through cancer and Kara’s blog has given me new eyes to understand and relive the precious moments that I had with my mother while she was fading away. I can’t wait to read her book! I’m not quite sure what to expect yet, but I’m looking forward to reading it. I only have $10 in my bank account because I just paid this semester’s tuition, but I will make sure my hands get a copy of this book when I get my next paycheck 🙂

I initially started following Kara’s blog because of how beautifully genuine and raw her posts were. But what really stirred my heart was that her family’s story was so similar to my own. My mom, also a pastor’s wife, returned to her heavenly home after battling cancer, leaving behind 3 daughters (the youngest was a week-shy of 5). I was only 6 at the time and barely have any recollections of the woman who gave birth to me. My dad remarried a lovely young lady who raised me and my two sisters. But unfortunately, she developed some mental illness that created very very very toxic environments not only within our family, but also in our church community. I’m still battling with the effects of years of abuse/neglect, guilt, and pain. I so wish that things were not the way they are, but God never fails to remind me of His grace and love. Thank you for bringing light to such a powerful truth. Kara’s blog has affected me on a very personal level. I have always deeply longed to understand my mother’s journey through cancer, and Kara’s blog has given me new eyes to understand and relive the precious moments I had with my mother as she was fading away. This has healed a deep wound. I’m so excited to read her book! I’m not quite sure what to expect yet, but I am looking forward to reading it. I only have $10 in my bank account after paying this semester’s tuition, but I will definitely get my hands on a copy of this book when I get my next paycheck 🙂 Receiving a free copy wouldn’t hurt either 😉

I love the way Kara has invited us into her journey, sharing her pain and her joy. It such a beautiful reminder of the very grace she talks about and how she found grace even in life’s trials and hardest moments.

Yes, God’s Grace will meet us, wherever we are….if only we are looking for it….so true and yet so simple and difficult. I’ve been following Kara’s blog and have been inspired to Love Big. Thank you Kara. This sounds crazy, but I also had a dream last month December 6th, that Kara and I met at a big, cool Party.

Yes, I, too, was touched by Kara’s journey and her ability to mine grace and favor from the hard. Thank you for your beautiful reflections! It will be glorious when Kara meets the Author of her story face-to-face.

Oh my, I have so much I want to say. I pray for Kara and her loves everyday. I also pray selfishly for my own sorrow that grips at me when I think of her time here possibly (I say possibly because I believe our God is a God still in the business or miracles) coming to an end. I pray that my mind can move from the delusion that this is a “bad” thing. Kara will likely soon experience Jesus up close…transition into the next chapter of her eternal life, while we press on here and live & love better because of the way The Lord has used her to be His Hands and feet. Her words have changed me and I am forever thankful for the gift she’s given so many! I suffer from a very rare and progressive disease and it’s easy to give up on “living”. But, no, I won’t do that. I will press into Jesus and focus on living and big love. Kara, a mother to many and an angel to even more, thank you, God Bless you and your loves and may your journey here be filled with many more smiles and precious moments…and BIG love. xxxooo

I believe from the few things I have read about this book it is being written by an earthly angel that will leave her children and husband a legacy of her love for them and her heavenly father that will bring light to their times of darkness and love to their hearts as the memories of her grace and dignity flood their memories in the future. Thank you for choosing to share this part of your life with the world.

Your words inspire, convict, invite &challenge me!! Thank you for sharing your life, pain, dreams and words with us. I have four dear children & a wonderful husband &your words help to remind me what is most important. God is faithful in all our journey’s. Thank you. I would love to read the book.

Kara is an amazing woman. I have been following her blog for the past few months and I am always blessed by her words. She shines Jesus in the middle of her storm and encourages me in mine. I am diligently praying for her and her family!

I have been so touched by her story and look forward to reading her book. She is a beautiful soul and I hope she knows and feels the impact that her story and her faith is having on so many! I went through a difficult trial that was faith-strengthening and taught me that Christ meets us in our valleys and runs to us in our darkest hours. I wanted to also share a quote that I turn to often when life gets difficult:

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God . . . and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.” – Orson F. Whitney

I tried to upload the photo with this post but on my phone I couldn’t. So, picture a crystal lamp with a large tea light glowing inside of it. The glass is hazy with layers of dust, dotted with finger prints and a glaring Goodwill price tag on it. Can you “see” it? Here is what I wrote about it:”Lanterns, even when they have been cast off by others, covered in forgotten dust, dirt and neglect still give off beautiful light when lit. Never lose hope because light is light in the darkest moments. #IGFChallenge #hope #oldthings #light #lanterns #lightupthedarkness #lovingothers #human #lightyourlantern

Wow….I just over the last fee days began following Kara’s story. I’ve been reading things at random and being challenged by her words. My struggles are real but so small compared to hers. The day I found her blog I was having a pitiparty for myself over my families struggles. Under paid Deputy Sheriff husband, stay at home mom, 3 kids….you get the idea. So after I was done hiding in the bathroom, crying because I’m tired of my struggle I come across Kara’s blog, Just what I needed to be reading (thank you God). I needed to be reminded of so many things she says! My heart aches for her family. I am amazed by them! I pray for them. I pray that I am able to continue to be reminded that although my struggle is real, it could be so much worse.

Kara has been a beautiful example of how to live sustained by the grace of God. It is an encouragement as our family has endured my husband’s father (age 66) pass away from cancer this past June (on my daughter’s birthday), and now as I watch my mother endure a rare incurable neurological disease. This year has been hard for our family. Thank you Kara for sharing your story and pointing us to Christ through the heartache of life.

OhMyGoodness! This lady *beautiful Kara* she has touched my heart and soul and no, Ive never been blessed enough to meet this beautiful mama in person. She just lights up the room, even through the computer screen. I share her with my family and tell them how amazing she is to me and how beautiful that smile is. Kara doll, Your soul is beautiful inside and out and I thank you for sharing your journey with us.

I came to your blog through Kara’s. I am so grateful for the transparency of both you and her. We need more of that in the body of Christ. There is no way to experience true fellowship, community without it.

Hi, I have been following Kara’s blog and I have learned so much. Her love for her family and friends is so easy to capture in her words and pictures. I have been praying for her and my heart breaks for her and her family and friends. She loves everyone around her in such a BIG way. She is a beautiful person who is letting her light shine so brightly. I am so grateful that she had shared her journey. God Bless!

As a mother of four, realizing how quickly time flies, I cannot imagine the range of emotions you must be feeling. Know that you have loved to the best of your ability and taught your children to do the same. It’s all we can hope for regardless of the length of our lives. But teaching our babies to love and have faith is it. I have no doubt you’ve done just that by your example. Wishes of peace for you and your family.

It is amazing to see Kara’s faithfulness to God and others in the midst of her circumstances. What a treasure! She is such a light. My father was a church planter, and there were many hurdles in his ministry and things that happened which affected our family. I am in awe of how God is using Kara and her family in the midst of all the ups and downs. I am amazed at their attitudes and how they are pointing us to Christ even with all the struggles that they have faced and are facing since they moved to CO. Her story has hit home on so many levels. Praying for Kara and her family and for them to be blessed as much as they have blessed all of us.

I just found Kara’s blog, through the encouragement of a friend. Thank you for being so open and honest about your journey and the feelings you have experienced. God is good and it is such a blessing to read of His goodness in your life. I pray that your final journey will be peaceful and that you awake in the arms of Jesus as He carries you home.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” Isaiah 43:2

(Thank you for your wise words, Gina. A wonderful Forever Friend decided I needed to hear them, today, and she was right. So, here’s what I’d like to say to Kara…)

Dearest Kara,

I can’t completely understand how it feels to be a young, vibrant soul facing such a huge heartache, but I do know how it feels to be a little girl watching that evil monster, Cancer, eat away at your beloved Mother. My Mom was only 24, with me, age 4, and my Little Brother, age 2, when she was taken to the hospital for “further tests” to find out why she hurt so much. She never came home again.

To be fair to her doctors, there was not much that could be done in 1960, and I can only imagine how excruciating it must have been for those poor souls who had to close her back up and let her go. She passed two weeks later.

As sad as that may sound, I don’t type this for sympathy, really. My point is that I believe you are blessed to be able to DO something when so many things are out of your control. You don’t have to just accept the inevitable. Instead, you are making such a difference in so many lives by your courage!

How vulnerable you must have felt, though, as you exposed your heart in this book, but I know it will help your loved-ones no matter what happens next. They will always have a tangible reminder of your affection and courage to turn to whenever they need it, regardless of where you are, whether the distance between you is literal or spiritual.

You’re also helping the rest of us, precious soul, who are all on this painful Journey called Life with you. Your wisdom will make the the road easier for us, too.

And that’s why I want to thank you for this gift from your heart which will allow us all to know that it’s okay to “laugh with those who laugh and cry with those who cry”. It will help us to be imperfect but courageous, and that is such a HUGE blessing you’ve given us…